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02-UnderstandingServers

The document provides an overview of servers, particularly in the context of GIS (Geographic Information Systems), detailing their functional roles such as data storage, application hosting, and geoprocessing. It emphasizes the importance of fault tolerance, security measures, and the different types of server hardware. Additionally, it discusses the significance of proactive security and efficient data management practices for maintaining server integrity and performance.

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Ahmed Al-nasheri
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2 views

02-UnderstandingServers

The document provides an overview of servers, particularly in the context of GIS (Geographic Information Systems), detailing their functional roles such as data storage, application hosting, and geoprocessing. It emphasizes the importance of fault tolerance, security measures, and the different types of server hardware. Additionally, it discusses the significance of proactive security and efficient data management practices for maintaining server integrity and performance.

Uploaded by

Ahmed Al-nasheri
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Understanding Servers

IT4GIS
Keith T. Weber, GISP
GIS Director
ISU-GIS Training and Research Center
What is a server?
• Desktop
• Workstation
• Server
Functional Roles
• Data Storage
• Application Host
• GeoProcessing
• Spatial Data Management
• Website Host
• E-mail
Data Storage
• The role of hardware • Your role
– NAS (network attached – Delete unnecessary data
storage) – Apply best data type to each
– SAN (storage area network) attribute (tables) and raster
– DAS (direct attached storage) file format/pixel depth)
– [other]
Grid or GeoTIFF?
Data Storage: Fault Tolerance
• RAID=Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks
• Hardware or software implementation
• Level 0,1,5,10
• Minimum four disks on server
• Hard disk types
– SCSI, IDE, etc.
– Hot-swappable
Data Storage: The Way Fault
Tolerance Works!

6
Data Storage: RAID and RAIS
• Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks
• Redundant Array of Inexpensive Servers
Hints and Tips: The 5-nines
• 99.999% of the time…
• Servers are operational and functioning
• How much down-time does this allow?
– 5 minutes!
– No longer even a goal!
– Why?
Application Host
• GIS software-host
server (application
server)
• GIS software license
server
GeoProcessing
• ArcGIS for Server software resides on server with
GeoProcessing Services running
• Clients have the desktop or workstation application
installed
• Large tasks are processed by the server via web
interface
– Can more fully utilize available processors and RAM
Why are Servers Faster?
• More RAM and more CPU cores (yes)
• But more importantly, a different architecture in RAM and
CPU usage/allocation
GPU Processing
• Graphical Processing Units
• nVidia leads, but it all started with the demand for smooth
video rendering by the gaming industry
• Graphics cards and processing
– Processing graphics is an intensive FLoating-point OPeration
(FLOP) that must be done quickly
– Geoprocessing can also be an intensive FLOP (but does not
need to be done quite so fast)
• In some cases, a server will not be faster if a good
graphics card is not available
Spatial Data Management
• SDE=Spatial
Database Engine
• Requires DBMS
• ArcSDE
• Spatial library
organized with a
RDBMS
Web Server
• IIS
– Overview of structure on
host server
– Client access
(https://giscenter.isu.edu)
• ArcGIS for Server
– Serving maps
ArcGIS for Server
Provides
Geo-
Processing
capabilities
even through
the Web!
Includes
Web
Services as
the next
generation
web map
server
Compliments SDE
by serving
GeoData services
Types of Server Hardware
• Glorified desktops
• Standard Rack-based
• Blade
– Rack based, but not limited to 42 Units
– Can contain more than CPUs
• ISU’s Research Data Center (RDC)
Professional Tips
• Data folder for clients
• Data liability policy
• Use of Temp folders
• System Administration:
– Do not allow write access from remote clients anywhere
on your system!
• Security
– Web access is principal security threat
– FTP is a primary avenue for intrusion
– Dynamic IP addressing
Applying Security to Your Server
• Reactive:
– TCP/IP exclusion
• Proactive
– Service packs
– Updating anti-virus dictionaries
– Disabling and uninstalling FTP
– Firewalls
Security (cont’d)
• Backup your data
– Mission critical
– Critical
– Non-critical data
• Difference between Backup and
Archive
A Tour of the Server Room
(in under 2 minutes)
Keep the Servers Cool
• Cool aisle and hot aisle approach
• Liquid cooling (e.g., INL C3)
– Better approach but much more expensive
– ROI good on larger data centers (INL C3)
– ROI poor on smaller data centers (ISU RDC)
Key Concepts
• A server is best defined by its Functional Role.
• You should now know several roles for GIS
servers.
• Fault tolerance addresses data integrity
(information assurance).
• Proactive security measure address data
security.
Professional Hints and Tips
• Email is not a text SMS…
Questions…Assignment

Get ready for the 2-minute write

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