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Deploying Microsoft SQL Server 2008 based Decision Support Systems using Dell EqualLogic 10GbE iSCSI Storage 19
large tables and when based on the most commonly queried table field. We also recommend as a best
practice that you align the indices with the same partitioning scheme used for table data.
5 Test Results
A PS6010XV array can deliver up to 2.5 times the throughput (megabytes per second) of a PS6000XV
array
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. However, every DSS implementation is different. Actual throughput may vary depending on
database size and workload characteristics.
We conducted two SQL DSS tests to understand PS6010XV array scalability using the test
configurations described earlier in this paper. The first configuration used a single storage array for
SQL Server data and the second configuration used three storage arrays for SQL Server data.
Transaction logs were hosted on a separate array in both configurations. Using Quest Benchmark
Factory for Databases we executed five database query streams on the server.
The test workload and database (including same data and volume size) was deployed on two different
test configurations to understand how performance scaled when increasing the number of storage
array members in the pool. Server and Storage resource utilization metrics were monitored using the
EqualLogic SAN HQ and Windows PerfMon tools. In particular the Server NIC throughput (data
received from storage) was monitored. The intent was to capture the amount of data, including
protocol overhead that the storage arrays in both configurations delivered to the server. Figure 8
shows relative instantaneous peak throughput at the Server NICs (receive) for both configurations, as
measured using Windows Performance Monitor.
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Dell EqualLogic PS6010XV product details:
http://www.equallogic.com/products/default.aspx?id=8973
Figure8:InstantaneousPeakThroughput