[Linux-cluster] Unify or split different services across nodes?

[Ivan Pantovic]

Hi to ya all, this might be interesting question here...

We have fairly stable cluster now with 10 nodes running smtp and pop3.
We divided service across cluster so we have 6 smtp nodes and 4 pop3 nodes.

I'm not sure why this was the setup but it is ;)

Does anyone know is there performance penalty for such distribution of 
services or one unified node running both services (smtp+pop3) would 
somehow do better?

How i see this is that it is better to have one unified node both for 
better distribution when there is a higher load on one service and also 
easer replacement of failed nodes, but is there something related to how 
gfs is operating to support this theory?

I plan to conduct some light testing using three nodes in simulated 
workload environment to actually see is there a feasible difference or 
this is all marginal philosophy.

I think this also might be a good pointer when people do cluster 
planning so I'm anxious to here some comments ...

-- 
Ivan Pantovic, System Engineer
-----
YUnet International  http://www.eunet.yu
Dubrovacka 35/III,   11000 Belgrade
Tel: +381 11 311 9901;  Fax: +381 11 311 9901; Mob: +381 63 302 288
-----
This  e-mail  is confidential and intended only for the recipient.
Unauthorized  distribution,  modification  or  disclosure  of  its
contents is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error,
please notify the sender by telephone  +381 11 311 9901.
-----