I/O Performance HOWTO

Sharon Snider

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v1.1, 05/2002

Revision History
Revision v1.12002-05-01sds
Updated technical information and links.
Revision v1.02002-04-01sds
Wrote and converted to DocBook XML.

Abstract

This HOWTO covers information on available patches for the 2.4 kernel that can improve the I/O performance of your Linux™ operating system.


Table of Contents

1. Distribution Policy
2. Introduction
3. Avoiding Bounce Buffers
3.1. Memory and Addressing in the Linux 2.4 Kernel
3.2. The Problem with Bounce Buffers
3.3. Locating the Patch
3.4. Modifying Your Device Driver to Avoid Bounce Buffers
4. Raw I/O Variable-Size Optimization Patch
4.1. Locating the Patch
4.2. Modifying Your Driver for the Raw I/O Variable-Size Optimization Patch
5. I/O Request Lock Patch
5.1. Locating the Patch
5.2. Modifying Your Driver for the I/O Request Lock Patch
6. Additional Resources