Formula for allocation of server capacity

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenge of allocating server capacity in a shared server environment, specifically focusing on how to quantify the resource usage of individual users in terms of CPU, memory, and disk space. Participants explore potential formulas and methods for calculating the percentage of total server capacity that each user requests, as well as considerations for cost allocation based on resource usage.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a formula to calculate the percentage of total server capacity used by a user based on their requested CPU, memory, and disk space.
  • Another participant suggests that resource allocation can be managed through configuration files in Linux, indicating a practical approach to resource limits.
  • A different participant emphasizes the need to allocate costs to users based on their requested resources before actual usage data is available.
  • One suggestion is to establish a pricing model based on resource value, proposing a price per MHz or GB, acknowledging that different resources have varying costs.
  • A participant questions the clarity of the term "shared server environment" and the meaning of "cost," suggesting that the question may need refinement for better understanding.
  • Concerns are raised about the phrasing of the question, particularly regarding the measurement of CPU usage, with a clarification that CPU time is not quantified in GHz but rather through time slices allocated to processes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions and implications of resource allocation and cost measurement, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives on how to approach the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the clarity of terms used, such as "shared server environment" and "cost," which may affect the understanding of the problem. Additionally, the discussion does not reach a consensus on the best method for calculating resource allocation or pricing.

Nick Curtis
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Can anyone help? I have an interesting issue. I've chosen to study maths and computer science and one of the problems I've been asked to solve, potentially using a 3D Modeling formula is:

In a Shared Server environment, where total capacity of a server is measured by total CPU capacity, total disk capacity and total memory capacity, I need a formula to help me understand how much each user is requesting of the total capacity.

By example:
On a single server total CPU is 2.88 Ghz, 16Gb Memory and 146Gb of Disk Space.
I have a user who only wants to use 1Ghz CPU, 2Gb Mem and 2Gb of Disk Space. What formula can I use that tells me what percentage of the total capacity of the machine this person is requiring?

thanks for any help
Nick
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
Now I don't know what operating system your using, but you can do what you want VERY easily in Linux and Unix. All you have to do is edit /etc/security/limits.conf

In this file you tell it exactly how much resources a user can have and what priority they get it at.

I would suggest doing research on this file and see how you want to set it up.
 
Last edited:
Thanks

The point is I'm trying to allocate a cost to each user, of the overall server cost, before they go live. Therefore there isn't any data to collect usage figures against. Even if there was I need to charge them before they use the box. Therefore I have to understand what allocation they are requesting.

cheers
 
Why is it so difficult to allocate a cost to each user? Just put a price per Mhz or per GB that the user would be willing to pay and just add up the totals. The pricing should also be according to which resource is more valuable. For example hard drives space is very cheap compared to CPU speed.
 
Well the way the question is phrased seems pretty odd. What exactly is a "shared server environment". Do they mean just a multitasking OS? Also, what exactly is meant by cost. Do they just want a percentage? So if you use 2 Gb of memory and their are 8 Gb total, you are using 25%?

Division of CPU time is certainly not measured in Ghz usage. You don't "use up" clock frequency. If the processor is running at 2.2 Ghz, it doesn't matter if its doing nothing, its always going to running at 2.2 Ghz. Processes are allocated small time slices. On certain operating systems such as Linux, you can tell a process to be "nice" and not request all the time available. Look up the Linux command nice if you have it installed. I'm not familiar of a way to do this in Windows.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Allocated capacity calculation
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
What is causing my slow computer startup and lag during regular operation?
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
5K
I could really use some help picking my optional module [GameDev]
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Build a New System Some A/V and Moderate Gaming Requirements
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
[ubuntu] Can't boot into anything after installing Ubuntu on Windows 7
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
Graduate BRS: PKI Cryptosystems for SA/Ms: A Tutorial
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
MATLAB MATLAB ODE programing and misc question
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Computer Building a machine for research codes, several questions
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
STOP: 0x0000008E (0xC000005, 0XBF04DF7B, 0xED924B18 0X000000000)
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
7K