upgrading server, how big?

[macetali]

I am planning on upgrading my backup server hardware to be able to handle the streams coming in.

I need to backup about 2.5TB (spread to around 15 servers) on a 6-drive LTO-2 library connected to the server through fiber connection.

The limitations on the server is to have LAN connections of only up to 100Mbps (can be multiple teamed NICs). How big should my server be (# of procs, speed of procs, RAM size, local disk space)?

Is there a formula based based on different factors (e.g. streams, number of clients, backup data size, etc)?

Would appreciate your inputs.

 

[605]

A straight formula does not exists as it extremely depends what you will do and how at the same time. Such usually needs a lot of on-site consultation.

 

[jciarlette]

Go for as fast a server w/as much ram, harddrive, processor speed, and network speed you can afford.

 

[RMinNJ]

If your limited to several 100 Mbit/s NICs I'd get as many
as possible. We see 2 or 3 LTO2 drives can max out a
1000 Mbit/s (GigE) NIC.

If we assume you want each LTO2 to do 30 MB/s (and the
NICs can be teamed such that their bandwidth is added)
you'll need 18 100Mbit/sec NICs.

On the plus side, your choice or luck in getting LTO2 drives
seems sound; they adapt quite well to slow input rates.