User Guide

Optimizing the NetWare Server 37
Server Operating System Administration Guide
103-000148-001
August 30, 2001
Novell Confidential
Manual 99a38 July 17, 2001
Setting the Load Balancing Threshold
The load balancing threshold applies only to multiprocessor servers. Through
extensive testing, Novell has determined the optimum threshold for load
balancing across multiple processors—it addresses serious load imbalance
while avoiding excessive thread migration. Without that play in the load
balancing mechanism, threads would constantly move from one processor to
another.
The optimum threshold has been preset by Novell and, in most cases, it
provides the most efficient processor utilization. Although we strongly
recommend that you do not change the threshold, this value is configurable.
WARNING: Adjusting this threshold should be done only with considerable
research and consultation. Experimenting with different threshold levels can best
be done in an isolated test system. Do not experiment in a production environment.
Remember that you can always return to the optimum setting.
To set the load balancing threshold, complete the following:
1 In NetWare Remote Manager, click the Set Parameters link in the
navigation frame and then click the Multiprocessor link.
2 Click the value link for the System Threshold parameter.
The page displays the current setting and the range of valid values. The
default value is 1536.
3 To change the threshold setting, type a new value in the field and click
OK.
For more information about the value ranges and default setting, see SET
Multiprocessor Parameters in Utilities Reference or the online help for the
parameter in NetWare Remote Manager.
To view CPU utilization by an NLM
TM
program in NetWare Remote Manager,
click the Profile/Debug link in the navigation frame, and then click the Profile
CPU Execution by NLM link on the Profiling and Debug Information page.