System or Network Performance
Since the introduction of Advantage software version 8.0, the stability,
reliability and performance of the network is more crucial than ever before.
Today’s sophisticated users are placing more and more demands on networks.
These networks deal with:
·• Graphics and Imaging
·• Large databases and File transfer
·• Client-Server computing
·• Heavy network traffic
Compulink’s IT department is committed in assisting our client’s with
creating the most efficient Local and Wide Area networks possible. Such
networks will increase productivity and minimize downtime which should
translate to better consumer/client relations and profitability for our
clients.
In this article we will explore some general guidelines and known issues
related to networking and Advantage software specifically.
Accessing resources, running programs, and copying files are relatively
straightforward tasks on a single computer. Local Area Networks (LANs)
evolved to connect Personal Computers (PCs) together and thus allow the
sharing of such devices and information. Moving applications from central
hosts such as mainframes to distributed servers has generated new networking
requirements.
The approach to computer communications in most organizations is changing
rapidly in response to new technologies, evolving business requirements, and
the need for "Instant" knowledge transfer.
Properly configure Anti-Virus software running on the workstation or file
server
A virus detection software may cause processing delays if it is configured
to check for changes to all files. This could include your database files,
even though they are not really vehicles for viruses. If possible, configure
such software to scan only executable files. To determine if your Anti-Virus
software is contributing to performance issues, disable it temporarily and
see if database performance improves.
For Symantec products:
http://entsupport.symantec.com/docs/n2006030817095748 OR
http://entsupport.symantec.com/docs/n2002102415054548
Upgrade the network to 100mbps Network Cards, cables, and a switch
Don't scrimp on the network hardware. With the reduced costs of network
cards spending a few extra dollars per card and opting for the 100mbps
flavor instead of the 10mbps version could mean a significant difference in
the throughput of your network (10x), thus improving the response time of
the Advantage software when accessing tables across the network.
Additionally, if your network is using a simple hub, consider upgrading to a
switch. A switch redirects packets directly to the correct recipient without
broadcasting them to everyone on the network and clogging the pipes with
unnecessary traffic -- traffic that reduces the available bandwidth for the
real data that you are trying to pass across the network to the file server
and back again.
For troubleshooting the network speed, launch the Advantage Software locally
on the Server and check the performance. Timely response locally on the
server and delayed response over the network could be an indication of
network issues such as bottleneck or packet loss. Three are many utilities
on the market that can help you determine your network performance, copying
a large file across the network could also be a good place to start though.
Timing a copy and paste task over the network could reveal the true network
speed.
Certain network cards, such as Intel Gigabit, might have the Buffer
For Large Packets turned on. This can cause the system to appear slow
while transferring the packets.
Check the network cabling
Old networks connecting at 10 mbps and slower could still function when the
cable ends (pin outs) are incorrect. For achieving the optimum network
speed, use category 5 cabling and make sure your cable ends are correct.
Switches do not function properly without correct cabling.
Do not use resource-intensive applications and screen savers on the file
server
Be sure your file server is not running a resource-intensive application or
screen saver. Whenever possible, choose "Blank Screen" as the screen saver
on a file server. Using one of the more "active" screen savers can impede
the performance of the server if its CPU time is being allocated to drawing
images rather than file management.
Check the processor and memory in Windows Task Manager to determine which
applications are using server resources. Copying the software to a
workstation and successfully resolving the performance issue could indicate
problems with the server processing or memory. Check Compulink’s Multi-User
Configuration Guide for the minimum system requirements to run Advantage
software.
TCP/IP protocol
Compulink does not recommend using IPX or NetBUIE protocols. TCP/IP should
be used wherever possible.
Known performance issues with Advantage software
When using Windows NT operating systems such as NT 4.0 Workstation/Server,
2000 and XP, Compulink's DOS Clipper application will spike the processor to
100% causing performance issues. This is a Clipper application issue and is
not limited to the Advantage DOS Software. Compulink does not recommend
using NT operating Systems with the DOS application and suggests upgrading
to the Windows version of Advantage software.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Compulink Advantage Software requires Microsoft Windows 2000 Terminal Server
Edition with Service Pack 4 to facilitate a remote connection. Recommended
bandwidth per user (session) is 30 kbps to 50 kbps for Terminal Server and for
Citrix Metaframe. The general memory recommendation for servers running
terminal services is a minimum of 128 MB of RAM, plus an extra 25 MB of
memory per client session. THESE ARE ONLY MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS.
Enhancements to these requirements will boost performance depending on the
number of workstations, overall system and network configuration. If in
doubt, check with your Operating System documentation or computers systems
consultant.
Wireless Networks (WiFi)
A wireless connection will only deliver a fraction of the bandwidth offered
by a wired network.
In general, wireless networks will not supply the necessary bandwidth for
most database applications such as Advantage software to deliver their best
performance.
Compulink IT department is available to answer your questions regarding any
network issues you might be experiencing. IT support staff can be reached
between 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM PST at (800) 888-8075.
File System
In certain Environments, running FAT32 is not recommended. Converting
to NTFS will resolve some performance issues.
Knowledge Base
Steps
1) Check the processor and the memory in Windows task
manager. Some startup applications could take much of the system resources
necessary to run Advantage software.
2) Check the minimum system requirements to run Advantage software.
3) Check for network traffic and network bottlenecks. Copy a large file over
the network and check the time of transfer.
4) When using Windows NT (NT 4.0 Workstation/Server, 2000 and XP),
Compulink's DOS Clipper application will spike the processor to 100% in most
cases; therefore causing performance issues. This is a Clipper application
issue and is not limited to the Advantage Software. Compulink does not
recommend using such configurations and suggests upgrading to Windows
version of Advantage software.
5) Properly configure virus checking software running on the workstation or
file server.
A virus checking software may cause processing delays if it is configured to
check for changes to all files. This could include your database files, even
though they are not really vehicles for viruses. If possible, configure such
software to scan only executable files. To determine if the virus checker is
contributing to performance issues, disable it temporarily and see if
database performance increases.
6) If the client is running Advantage DataBase server software, check for an
ADS.INI file in the Compulink directory. Rename or delete this file if you
are not using Crystal reports.
7) If using Terminal Services, examine the open sessions for application
error messages or launch loops. Close all sessions and test.
8) Ensure that TCP/IP is the only protocol being used. Remove NetBUEI if
found
9) If two network cards are installed but only one is being used disable the
2nd NIC
10) Check the connection speed for the NIC. It should be 100mb not 10mb. To
test the speed, copy a large file across the network and calculate the
transfer rate
11) Launch the core product locally on the Server and test the speed, timely
response locally could be an indication of network issues such as bottleneck
or packet loss.
12) Copy the core product to a workstation and test the performance. This
will eliminate the server as the problem.
13) If using the TwainWan interface disable it and check the performance.
14) Check the cable pin out for accuracy. Change the hub to a switch.
15) Check for duplicate NICs (network Interface Cards) on the server or
workstations. Disable all unnecessary NICs.
