PRIMECLUSTER Global File Services Configuration and Administration Guide 4.2 (Solaris(TM) Operating Environment)

15.2.3 Disk layout

The GFS Shared File System classifies the areas on disk media consisting of a file system into the following three areas:

• meta-data area
• update log area
• data area

The primary MDS references or updates two areas: the meta-data area and the update log area. The AC references or updates the data area.

The minimum disk configuration for the GFS Shared File System is one partition. However, the meta-data area and update log area can be separated and configured on a different partition. Also, the meta-date area and the data area can be split into multiple partitions.

In an environment where MDS I/O is expected to create a file system processing bottleneck, because of disk head positioning due to another process or shortened processing wait time is anticipated, throughput can be improved by separating the meta-data and update log areas on to independent volumes.

In an environment where data area I/O is expected to create a file system throughput bottleneck, throughput can be improved by distributing the data area in to multiple partitions on independent volumes.

For more information about available partition configurations, see Section 13.1.6, "Partition configuration."