GlusterFS is a scalable network file system that allows for the creation of large cloudbased storage solutions from multiple servers that can store up to several petabytes of data. It is a solution for customers looking for large capacity, low-cost, highly redundant storage that runs on commodity storage server hardware. This paper demonstrates the results of testing the performance levels of a Gluster reference architecture used with a standard single-actuator drive (containing one set of read/write heads) versus Seagate’s MACH.2 Multi Actuator drive (containing two sets of read/write heads). The findings in this paper indicate that, when using the multi-actuator drive, the performance level nearly doubles in comparison to that of the single-actuator drive. As new hard drive capacity continues to increase, use of the MACH.2 Multi Actuator drive in conjunction with Gluster can be a highly beneficial solution, as it helps to significantly increase the performance levels of these new high-capacity drives.
SEAGATE MACH.2 MULTI ACTUATOR DRIVE PERFORMANCE IN A GLUSTER REFERENCE ARCHITECTURE
