Sample Server: ftp.cdrom.com

The following is an FTP server. The descriptions given are accurate as of July 22, 1998.

Of Note

On July 28, 1998, this machine broke Microsoft's world record for FTP downloads in a day. This single server served 417 GB of files in one day, with an average rate of 6.5 MB/s, and peaks at about 8.2 MB/s. The previous record was a total of 350 GB served by an army of 40 NT servers.

According to knowledgeable insiders, this site has had several days in excess of 350 GB/day, but 417 has been the highest

Walnut Creek is apparantely trying to negotiate a faster Internet connection for this server.

Usage

• FTP server with limit of 3,200 concurrent users. Try connecting and there will typically be more then 2,000 users connected.
• 224 GB of online storage spread over 32 hard disks.
• more than 2 million user connects per month (ie. roughly 70,000 per day).
• more than 9 terrabytes of files downloaded per month.
• reliability has not been an issue, the number of concurrent users has been limited by RAM and the connection speed. More users would make downloads take longer due to the 100 Mbps connection.

Hardware Configuration

The ftp.cdrom.com site is built from decent but common hardware, much of it being the same we are considerring

• CPU: Pentium Pro 200 (same as Engmail)
• System Board: Dual processor capable (only one installed)
• RAM: 1 GB (8 x 128 MB 60ns EDO SIMMs)
• SCSI cards: 1 x Adaptec 3940, 1 x Adaptec 3940UW
• SCSI disks: 14 x 4.3 GB Fast SCSI (Quantum, Seagate), 18 x 9.3 GB Ultra Widw SCSI (Micropolis, Quantum)
• Network: Intel Pro/100B PCI 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet
• Chassis: Siliconrax SR-5910 rack mount