Troy
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> From: Dale E. Reed Jr. <daler@iea.com>
> To: RadiusNT@emerald.iea.com
> Subject: Re: SQL and RadiusNT
> Date: Friday, April 18, 1997 9:39 AM
>
> Mitch Wagers wrote:
> >
> > Sam,
> >
> > Have you read much about SQL Servers? I haven't used SQL for
any radius
> > authentication related ideas, but to me it sounds like your problem
could
> > be a combination of your network speed and the power of your SQL
Server.
> > Recommended machines for SQL Serving functions(even if they don't
"serve" a
> > database) are around the Dual Pentium Pro 200, 256 to 512mb RAM stage
(Quad
> > Pentium Pro 200 with 2gig for 2000 users if serving a DB). Once you
are
> > above the 512mb, you need to go to a quad processor. Those are just
> > recommended ranges that have worked well in the networks that I work
with.
>
> Wait a minute. Yes, if you have 5000+ users and over 300 ports that
> would
> be a good idea. I use a Pentium 100 with 64 megs of ram as a lab box
> where
> I do SQL Transfer to get a copy of our production box and it returns
> ~250ms
> response times. I have no problem with that. It also runs NTMail, Web,
> Serv-U, RadiusNT, etc. Memory is one of the biggest issues (I
> recommend
> 128megs and to MAKE SURE SQL SERVER can is confgiured to use it),
> but processor isn't the most important factor. Disks can have a more
> important role than processors as well (but still memory is #1).
>
> > Now, with 300 users at a time on your network, I would suggest
monitoring
> > their traffic to see what the average packet size is per second running
> > through your hub. If you are on 10baseT, is there anything else
running on
> > this network? Such as web servers, radius servers, SQL, news servers,
> > workstations, printers, etc...Off of our network, we figured up a mix
of
> > 28.8 and 14.4 from our users and found they were averaging 1.5k/s
> > (kilobytes) which is ~12kbps. With 300 dialins, that is 3.6mbps and
the
> > average 10baseT hub runs 6-7mbps. Add in our news, web, IRC, and
internal
> > network and we overrun the network capabilities. Packet collisions,
error
> > control and broadcasts factor up a big part of network speed. This
> > probably sounds a little crazy, but it works! Do not, however, get the
> > idea that upgrading to an expensive 100baseT Hub will increase your
> > performance like you want it to, because it will not last long.
> > Personally, you should use a switched network to front end everything
and
> > on the backside carry a few 100mbps 8-12 port hubs. You increase your
> > aggregate bandwidth tremendously and reduce collisions and broadcasts
> > across your entire network. For your PM's you could even go with
slapping
> > 7 of them on a 10baseT 8 Port hub and still have greater BW than
before.
>
> This is really starting to get scary, and you are going to worry most
> people.
> Yes, the topology you are talking about is great, but most likely
> overkill.
> Just use a decent 10mbp switched hub and you'll be fine. Heck, most NAS
> equipment doesn't even have 100mbp intefraces! 10mbps switched is
> BETTER than
> 100mps shared, especially for a larger number of ports.
>
> Also, if RadiusNT/SQL Server are on the same box, then the network isn't
> relevant.
>
> --
> Dale E. Reed Jr. (daler@iea.com)
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