I/O Issues
Master Computer with Fusers and Network Drive
If multiple processes access the same source files on a shared local or network hard drive that is not adequately fast, a bottleneck can occur. It is, therefore, recommended to use a fast hard drive that is connected to each client computer through the fastest possible network connection. The steps below may help you increase your performance, but since computers and networks vary in processing power, speed, etc., you should evaluate these suggestions before you implement them. If you are in doubt, consult your system administrator.
Make Multiple Copies of your Sources
To optimize the I/O, create multiple copies of your sources and place them on the local drives of each of the client computers. This allows each computer sole access to the sources, reducing access time, and lowering the traffic on the network.
For example, if your sources are located on the mapped drive “M:\MySources”, map the “M” drive letter on each of the fuser computers to a local drive. Leave the Directories settings as is, so that each fuser reads the sources from its local drive.
Local Drives with Copy of Sources for Each Fuser
Optimize the Writing Process
Hard drives tend to operate at less than optimum performance when subjected to massive read and write operations, such as MPT file creation. It is, therefore, advisable to write the MPT file to a different physical hard drive than that where the source files are located.
To change the location of the MPT file:
1. On the Home tab, in the Project group, click Project Settings.
2. In the Project Settings dialog, click the Directories tab.
3. In the MPT File box, enter a new path and/or file name for the MPT file, and then click OK.
Ease the Load on the Master Computer
If the source files and/or the MPT file are located on the master computer, it may not perform optimally. Since the master computer must manage the creation process, handle the computer’s I/O, and run a local fuser, it may be helpful to stop this fuser.