[Casper] server performances

[John Wetter]

We have a deployment of about 4000 macs and this is what we use:

JSS: dual proc-quad core 2.8GHz w/8GB RAM on 10.5.4
Netboot/File serving: Dual G5 2.0GHz w/8GB RAM on 10.5.4
2 additional Distribution points - one powerMac and one windows blade server running ExtremeZ-IP on a SAN.

Network - gigabit fiber between schools and between closets and switches, 10/100 to the desktop.  We have a couple all-gigabit switches that we will bring around for special imaging projects.

We max out the main package server at about 120MB/s when imaging a bunch of Macbooks on a gigabit connection which is probably about the realistic maximum.  We never got close to this kind of performance on 10.4 and 2GB of RAM in the netboot/package server.  I think the RAM is the key.  AFP will use all the RAM you can throw at it.  When imaging a bunch of iBooks in a gig switch (they are 100 only), we usually max out around 80MB/s or so.

The JSS just cruises along for us.  It's most busy when we're either doing a lot of imaging, or first thing in the morning when everything is turning on.  For scheduled tasks, we run a startup and then a 30mins scheduled task to give some idea of load there.

-John

On 9/10/08 5:34 AM, "Criss  Myers" <CMyers at uclan.ac.uk> wrote:



 Hi ALL,



 As you people seem to have many more servers and clients than me I thought you'd be good people to ask about performance.



 I have 145 clients, being increased by 83.


 I have 1 XServe Quad core 2 x 2.8 with 2gb of ram and bonded Ethernet ports


 All clients and servers running 10.5.4 and casper 6.01



 I am using AFP for my distribution port and each mac is getting a total install of about 60gb (final cut studio)



 I am currently imaging 100 macs and the server is running at 90% cpu and 100% ram and with a throughput of mac 54MB/sec



 A) is this what i should expect? or is my setup not performing well?


 B) what kind of setup do you people have to deploy how many macs and how big a deployment size?


 C) any advice on how to improve my set, more ram, fibre cards, drive setups, more servers?



 Regards



 Criss



Criss Myers

Senior Customer Support Analyst (Mac Services)

Apple Certified Technical Coordinator v10.5

LIS Business Support Team

Library 301

University of Central Lancashire

Preston PR1 2HE

Ex 5054

01772 895054



--
John Wetter
Technology Support Administrator
Technology & Information Services
Hopkins Public Schools
952-988-5373
john_wetter at hopkins.k12.mn.us
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