HP StoreEver MSL2024, MSL4048, MSL8048, and MSL8096 Tape Libraries User and Service Guide (AK378-96059, December 2012)

Table 36 Performance impact of various file systems
RecommendationsPerformance impactFile system
None.GOOD. Disk arrays typically provide
excellent access to data. They usually
Disk array
include many disks, which improves
bandwidth.
To achieve optimal performance, your array must
support the following transfer rate:
VARIABLE. RAID uses a group of disks
to improve performance, and in the case
of RAID 5, provides some parity
protection in case one of the drives fail.
Server or workstation
with RAID
• LTO-4 HH: 160 MB/s
• LTO-4 FH: 240 MB/s
• LTO-5: 280 MB/s
• LTO-6: 400 MB/s
Also, make sure that the server or workstation is
used as little as possible during the backup, and
close down programs such as virus scanners,
which check each file that is opened.
Upgrade to a disk array or RAID 5 with the
minimum number of disks needed for your tape
POOR. A single disk cannot retrieve or
write data fast enough for any of the
supported tape drives.
Server or workstation
with a single disk
(spindle) drives, or use concurrency or multithreading in the
backup software to pull from more than one disk
at a time. The drawback with concurrency or
multithreading is that it slows the restore operation.
Also, make sure that the server or workstation is
used as little as possible during the backup, and
close down programs such as virus scanners,
which check each file that is opened.
Connection from the host server to the disk array
The connection between the host server and the disks determines how much data can be transferred
from the disks to the host computer at a time. A connection with insufficient bandwidth cannot
provide enough data for the tape drives to write at full speed. For optimum performance, the
storage subsystem must be able to provide data at the tape drive’s maximum transfer rate. Backups
using the network should use multiple network connections. To find the maximum transfer rate for
your tape drives, see the tables in “Features and overview” (page 9)
You can use the L&TT system performance test to assess the performance of simulated backup and
restore operations. For more information about L&TT and to download the software without charge,
see the L&TT website at: http://www.hp.com/support/tapetools
Operating system configuration
The operating system configuration and other programs running on the host computer can impact
the ability of the host computer to transfer files from the disks to the tape drive.
Windows
To improve backup performance and improve SAN stability, shutdown and disable the Windows
Removable Storage Manager unless the backup software requires it:
1. From the Windows start menu, select Control Panel.
2. In the Control Panel, select Administrative Tools.
3. In the Administrative Tools, select Services.
4. In Services, right-click Removable Storage and select Stop. The Status should be blank as
shown in Figure 111 (page 156).
Performance problems 155