HP D7171A - NetServer - LPr User guide

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Introduction
This Customer Usage Guide provides an overview of several application
areas where the HP NetServer LPr can provide a highly capable and cost-
effective solution. The paper examines the nature of the application
requirements for server resources and discusses how the HP NetServer LPr
meets those requirements. Clustering and server consolidation configurations
on the HP NetServer LPr are also discussed. The paper concludes by
addressing several key customer concerns in a question-and-answer format.
Performance, density, expandability
The HP NetServer LPr delivers an incredibly exceptional performance in a very
compact, 2U-form factor (3.5 inches high). This general-purpose server is a
rack-mounted powerhouse, with either one or two of the fastest Intel Pentium
III processors and a 100 MHz front-side bus that provides great performance,
rapid data transfer and phenomenal price/performance. Because this server
has such a thin profile, it is easy for an
IT facility to expand by adding more
servers into the rack, up to 20 servers
(40 processors) in a 2 meter rack. The
HP NetServer LPr provides the best
value choice for those applications that
require great performance, availability,
management features and space
efficiency in a cost-effective package.
Applications that fit these criteria are
listed in Table 1 and discussed in detail
in the remainder of this paper.
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Server Resource Utilization
Application Type CPU Power Memory Scalability Disk I/O Network I/O
Application Server
(any Client/Server, ERP) High Medium Low Medium
Collaboration Medium High Medium Medium
Clustered applications Medium Low Medium Low
Database Medium
(ERP, OLTP, etc.) Medium Medium Medium Low
File & Print Low Low Medium Low
Infrastructure
Domain/Proxy/Firewall Medium Low Low Medium
ISP
Linux / NT / Novell Medium Medium Medium Low
Messaging
E-mail Services Medium Medium High Medium
Small Applications
Vertical Applications Low Low Low Low
Terminal Server
Thin Client Server High High Medium Medium
Web Server Static Medium Medium Low Medium
Web Server Dynamic
Intra/Internet Medium Medium Medium Medium
Applications, their key requirements and the HP NetServer LPr
(Server Resource Utilization is the framework)
Application server (the middle of the 3-tier architecture)
An application server comprises tier 2 of a 3-tier client/server architecture (see Figure 1). This
server acts as the interface between the clients (users) on one side and the database server on
the other side. The business logic of the application is processed on this server, that is, the
data is manipulated and the user inquiries are addressed on this server. The server can be
dedicated to one application, can be part of multiple servers dedicated to the same application
or have several applications residing on one server, depending upon the scalability
requirements of the site. The server can also be a Web server with the interface as a familiar
browser and the connection made via the Internet.

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Tier Three
Database
Server
Database
Server
Multiple
Applications
Tier Two
Application
Servers
Tier
One
Clients
Application
Servers
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MAC OS
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Clients
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The application server usually is a symmetric multiple processor (SMP), rack-mounted machine
with requirements for a reasonable amount of memory and limited mass storage. Storage and
the database reside on the third tier of this architecture and are accessed by the application
server.
StockHouse.com, an online financial information company, recently purchased six
HP NetServer LPr systems to act as front-end Web servers in a 3-tier architecture (an
HP NetServer LXr 8000 is the database server). StockHouse.com provides up-to-the-minute
online financial information, across 14 time zones. The company projects a growth rate of hits
to the site that will double every 4 to 6 weeks for the next year and purchased these 7 servers
to support that growth. More information on this customer and other customer stories cited in
this paper is available at www.hp.com/netserver/customer.
File-and-Print
A server that supports file-and-print needs in an organization is the most basic of server uses.
This server requires enough processing power to move data and files between users, printers
and storage. Limited footprint and rack-mountability are important features.

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File-and-print servers are still the most frequent application for HP NetServers in general, and
specifically, for the HP NetServer LPr. This application requires the level of processing power
and memory that the LPr provides and operation is further aided by the built-in management
features.
Web Server (Internet/Intranet) static and dynamic
A static web server stores text and graphics files, the basic elements of web pages. Page
requests result in the files being sent to the requesting client. Very little processing power is
required to serve static web pages. A dynamic server creates most web pages “on-the-fly” from
page descriptions stored on the server, assembles the page, on-the-fly, and then delivers them
to the client. The dynamic server requires more CPU power than the static version given each
page is built on-demand and the page objects may be stored in a relational database. Both
static and dynamic web servers need a high-speed network to maximize the benefit of the CPU
power. A dual processor system with over 512MB of RAM for page caching is usually adequate
to handle page requests of a volume in the high hundreds per second on a dynamic server and
in the low thousands per second on a static server.
HP has tested the HP NetServer LPr with the SPECWeb96 standard benchmark, which
simulates a server with a static web site responding to a client’s request for pages. The
benchmark measures the number of Hypertext Transfer Protocol (http) operations per second.
Any given web page requires at least two http operations, one to establish a connection and the
other operation to transmit the content to the requesting client. If a typical Web page contains
text and two graphics objects (requiring four http operations to fulfill the client browser request)
our measurements show that single dual processor HP NetServer LPr can deliver up to 40
million pages per 24 hour day. A full rack of 20 servers could deliver over a billion pages per
day (given that many requests could get to the servers).
Hewlett-Packard uses the HP NetServer LPr as a web server for the HP NetServer external
web site (www.hp.com/go/netserver) with more than 1,000 pages of dynamic content rich in
graphics. The site experiences more than 11 million hits or about 250,000 visits per month. The
HP NetServer LPr operates at reasonable capacity levels (<30% average CPU usage) with a
dual processor configuration, 640 MB of RAM using HP NetServer RS/12 SCSI external
storage.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are major users of the HP NetServer LPr. The servers
themselves are so economical that an ISP can dedicate one to each customer, yet because 20
servers can be stacked in a 2-meter rack, they are very efficient in their use of precious floor
space.
The Linux operating system has made significant inroads with ISPs as the basis for web, mail
and infrastructure servers. Linux meets the cost, performance and reliability needs of many
Internet service providers. HP supports Red Hat® Linux on the HP NetServer LPr and many
customers have already successfully deployed Linux on the LPr.

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Infrastructure (Internet/Intranet) Server
Servers can fill several roles in the information technology infrastructure of an organization. In
an enterprise that uses the Internet, a proxy server is a server that acts as an intermediary
between a workstation user and the Internet so that the enterprise can ensure security,
administrative control, and can provide a caching service. A proxy server is associated with or
is a part of a gateway server that separates the enterprise network from the outside network
and a firewall server that protects the enterprise network from outside intrusion.
CPU speed and power is necessary to support the look-up and firewall requests in a timely
fashion. Adequate memory is required to cache addresses.
Messaging, communication and collaboration (clients with low storage requirements)
Servers form the backbone of a variety of communication methods, including electronic mail,
telephone and fax systems. Electronic mail services have become an important aspect of work
in most organizations. Disk input/output is the primary bottleneck in a messaging system, as
messages are cataloged and stored. Telephone and voice mail systems also require server
support, especially for message storage. Directory information services can also reside on a
server that provides access for all users connected to the system. Collaboration is the process
of teams working together on projects whereby the files are developed and edited together. A
server system can act as both the repository and transfer point for these efforts.
Ameren Corporation, a mid-Western power utilities company, employs HP NetServer LPrs as
communication servers in the customer call center. Configured as SMP with mirrored hard
drives, the servers support remote dial-in/dial-out access that allows the call center employees
to work from home via ISDN lines, providing a virtual staff that is available to meet high demand
from customers. Ameren also uses HP NetServer LPrs as file-and-print servers, application
servers and directory services controllers.
Thin client/Server-based Computing
Microsoft Windows Terminal Server is a Windows NT 4.0 server extension that creates a multi-
user environment where all users share the hardware and software resource on the terminal
server machine (see Figure 2). Applications are run on the server, and even the graphical user
interface (GUI) is server-resident, pushed to the clients. Microsoft Windows NT Server Terminal
Server Edition supports a full range of clients from legacy personal computers to the new and
cost effective “thin clients”.

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Tier Three
Database
Server
Database
Server
Multiple
Applications
Tier Two
Terminal
Server
Tier One
Thin Clients
Application
Servers
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A thin client is basically a simplified desktop device that provides reliable and fast access to any
networked resources. Thin clients have no local hard drive, no local storage and do not require
a large or complicated desktop operating system to function.
Thin clients address the need for an extremely reliable, secure and compact desktop device
that offers the familiarity of a windows-type graphical user interface. Thin clients are often
deployed in “task-based” offices where the user needs access to one or a few specific
applications.
MediaOne, a provider of cable television, high-speed Internet access, telephone and television
services, uses the HP NetServer LPr in a thin-client computing environment. The servers are
part of the front-end of a multi-tier business applications system used for computing their
financial, accounting, payroll and tax requirement and for managing their centralized reporting
and information gathering functions.
Emerging Services including applications service providers (ASPs) and outsourcing
A new market segment is developing whereby organizations outsource the information
technology (IT) portion of their infrastructure. The ASP, a specialist organization, hosts and
possibly supports one or more applications as well as the infrastructure (hardware and
software) and provides access to the Internet. These services are provided on behalf on the
primary company that needs to outsource IT functions. The application service provider,
depending upon the client's requirements, will either dedicate an entire server to a client

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organization or create several virtual servers on one LPr and then dedicate one of them to the
client. Processor density and speed as well as floor space considerations are very important in
a shared data center, as is the ability to install 20 servers in a single 2-meter rack.
Configurations
The HP NetServer LPr can be grouped into several different configurations. Two are discussed
here: clustering for availability and consolidation for improved space utilization, improved
security and easier management.
High Availability Solutions
The applications discussed so far in this paper have been presented as if they were installed on
single, stand-alone servers. There are several benefits that pairing or grouping servers in a
cluster can provide to system operation. The HP NetServer LPr is ideal for a clustered
environment, especially one where space is at a premium.
Servers are clustered, that is, physically connected and tightly integrated, so that the enterprise
business systems can achieve high availability with uptimes in excess of 99.9%. High
availability is attained through redundancy of software and hardware so that a single point of
failure will not interrupt service. These clusters are generally running mission-critical or
business-critical applications.
HP offers HP Assured Availability Solutions, a fully fault tolerant system that includes the HP
NetServer LPr. In partnership with Marathon Technologies, the HP Assured Availability Solution
provides uptimes in excess of 99.999%, which was essential to Paulo Products Company, a
metal processing firm. Paulo purchased two Assured Availability systems, one to run process
control software on the shop floor with 4 HP NetServer LPrs, and the second to manage their
database program with 2 LPrs and 2 HP NetServer LH 3s. Productivity has increased and
customer satisfaction has improved since implementation.
Consolidation
Server consolidation provides several benefits to the IT department and to the corporation.
Physical security is improved, system management and hardware resource utilization is more
efficient, staff workloads can be reduced or redirected and operating costs (especially hardware
support and OS licensing costs) frequently decline, in some cases by as much as 20%. The
space efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the HP NetServer LPr plus the cost-effectiveness of
the solution encourages centralization of a distributed system on densely racked server boxes.
A major mid-Western hospital purchased more than 40 HP NetServer LPrs, which were placed
in a central data center and used for consolidation of their server community. The
HP NetServer LPr provided the space savings that the hospital required.

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Considerations and Choices during the sales process
This section provides answers to a number of questions that customers should address during
the process of selecting a server.
What kind of data environment exists at your facility?
For those companies that are pressed for space, the HP NetServer LPr is an ideal solution.
What kind of growth is expected and how are you managing it?
For companies that expect growth but are not sure when, the HP NetServer is an ideal solution
because identical, relatively inexpensive boxes can be added into a rack as needed.
What are your high availability requirements?
The HP NetServer comes with several features that aid in keeping a server highly available.
HP NetServers are bundled with HP OpenView ManageX/SE, a tool for NOS/Applications
management. This tool facilitates a highly available environment, which proactively keeps the
systems up and running with less down time and increased operational efficiency.
For those companies with distributed computing, the HP NetServer LPr is also bundled with the
Integrated Remote Assistant for remote management of servers in outlying offices.
HP TopTools provides web-based device management, another tool to help keep servers up
and running. The HP TopTools Remote Control card is an optional device that provides LAN-
based remote management, with advanced diagnostics and enhanced encryption security.
This server is so compact and affordable that it can even be used as a “hot-spare” server,
easily swapped out for repair.
For those customers that require uptimes at 99.999%, HP now offers Assured Availability
solutions, a bundled arrangement of four HP NetServers plus additional equipment and
specialized software, that provides the ultimate level of availability for a Windows NT-based
system.

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This section provides answers to a number of questions that many customers have raised
during the process of selecting a server.
Why does the HP NetServer LPr have only two internal disk drives?
HP’s goal in the design of this product was to make an ultra-compact, server to meet market
needs for more compute power in less physical space. This server is small and affordable,
designed to run as a dedicated server. The trade-off was between some expandability and the
2U-form factor, resulting in maximum rack density. For those customers who require more
storage, external storage can be added with the HP Rack Storage/12, using an external SCSI
connector or a RAID card. Low profile (3U-form factor) disks are available in capacities up to
18.2 GB.
Why is only a single-channel controller offered?
The main advantage of a dual channel is for duplexing (a method of giving mirrored disks
higher reliability via separate channel connections). It is unusual that a facility would configure
duplexing between the two internal disks; remote storage would be used for duplexing and then
an additional SCSI controller is recommended, eliminating a single point of failure.
Why isn’t a Redundant Power Supply offered, even as an option?
A redundant power supply (RPS) is a proportionately expensive option on an entry-level,
economical server, almost 10% of the cost of the server. Instead HP recommends that the
customer consider a spare, swappable system instead of swappable components. The cost of
20 internal RPSs needed to provide spares for a full rack of servers is equivalent to two more
HP NetServer LPrs and with the LPr the customer has purchased spares capability for not only
power supply failure but also for any other type of failure.
What are the qualities of a good server vendor?
HP’s approach is based first on solid system design and manufacturing of all server
components and subsystems, because the most effective approach to improving availability is
to keep faults from occurring in the first place. HP’s philosophy is to provide the appropriate
level of technology based on what your business needs and finds cost-effective.
The HP NetServer Solution
The HP NetServer LPr delivers incredible features and value for fast-growing, demanding
networks in its compact 2U-form factor. This server is configured with either one or two of the
latest Intel Pentium III processors, 1 GB of ECC SDRAM memory, an integrated Ultra2 SCSI
controller with 80 MB/s data transfer and 4 32-bit PCI expansion slots including a
10/100TX NIC. This design provides industry-leading rack density, plus great performance,
availability and management features. The server can be used in a broad range of applications,
a few of which have been discussed in this paper.

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For More Information
For additional product information see:
http://netserver.hp.com/netserver/products/highlights_lpr.asp
For the complete customer stories cited in this paper, see:
http://netserver.hp.com/netserver/solutions/customer_story/default.asp
For additional information on clustering solutions, see:
http://netserver.hp.com/netserver/products/highlights_ha.htm
Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of, and Windows NT is a trademark of, Microsoft Corp. All
other brand names are trademarks of their respective owners. Technical information in this document is subject to change without notice. ©Copyright Hewlett-
Packard Company 1999. All Rights Reserved.