Calico
- Calico: A Comprehensive Server Configuration
This article details the "Calico" server configuration, a robust and versatile setup designed for demanding workloads. This guide is aimed at newcomers to our server environment and will cover hardware specifications, software components, and basic configuration considerations. Please read through the entire article before attempting to implement this configuration. See also Server Configuration Overview for a broader context.
Overview
Calico represents a mid-tier server build, balancing performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. It's ideally suited for applications requiring substantial processing power and memory, such as database servers, application servers, and complex web applications. It’s a step up from our "Sparrow" configuration and a precursor to the more powerful "Phoenix" build. Consider Server Selection Guide to help choose the best configuration.
Hardware Specifications
The following table outlines the core hardware components of the Calico server configuration:
| Component | Specification | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual Intel Xeon Gold 6248R (24 cores/48 threads per CPU) | Memory (RAM) | 128GB DDR4 ECC Registered 2933MHz | Storage (Primary) | 2 x 1TB NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD (RAID 1) | Storage (Secondary) | 4 x 8TB SAS 7.2k RPM HDD (RAID 10) | Network Interface | Dual 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) | Power Supply | 2 x 850W Redundant Power Supplies | Motherboard | Supermicro X11DPi-T |
These specifications provide a solid foundation for a variety of demanding applications. The RAID configurations ensure data redundancy and improve performance. Refer to RAID Configuration Best Practices for more information.
Software Stack
Calico servers run a standardized software stack, enabling consistent management and deployment.
| Software | Version | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS | Web Server | Apache 2.4 | Database Server | MariaDB 10.6 | Programming Language Runtime | PHP 8.1 | Caching System | Redis 6.2 | Monitoring Agent | Prometheus Node Exporter | Security Software | Fail2Ban, ClamAV |
This stack is regularly updated following our Software Update Policy. Each component is carefully selected for its stability, performance, and security characteristics. Detailed installation instructions for each component can be found in the Software Documentation Repository.
Configuration Details
Several key configuration aspects are crucial for optimal Calico server performance.
- Networking: Servers are configured with static IP addresses and DNS settings as outlined in the Network Configuration Standards. Both 10GbE interfaces are bonded for increased bandwidth and redundancy.
- Firewall: A strict firewall configuration, based on Firewall Ruleset, is implemented using `iptables` to restrict network access to only necessary ports and services.
- Security Hardening: The system undergoes regular security audits and patching, following the guidelines in our Security Best Practices. This includes disabling unnecessary services and enforcing strong password policies.
- Logging: Comprehensive logging is enabled for all system components, with logs centrally collected and analyzed using Centralized Logging System.
- Performance Tuning: Kernel parameters and application settings are tuned for optimal performance, based on the specific workload. See Performance Tuning Guide for more details.
Resource Allocation Considerations
Understanding resource allocation is critical to ensuring consistent performance.
| Resource | Recommended Allocation | Notes | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | 60-80% Maximum Utilization | Monitor CPU load closely to prevent performance bottlenecks. | Memory (RAM) | 70-90% Maximum Utilization | Ensure sufficient swap space is configured for emergencies. | Disk I/O | <80% Utilization | Monitor disk I/O performance to identify potential bottlenecks. | Network Bandwidth | <70% Utilization | Monitor network traffic to prevent congestion. |
These are general guidelines; specific requirements will vary depending on the application being hosted. Use Performance Monitoring Tools to track resource usage and adjust allocations as needed.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- High CPU Load: Investigate processes consuming excessive CPU resources using tools like `top` or `htop`. Consider optimizing application code or increasing CPU resources. Refer to Troubleshooting High CPU Load.
- Memory Exhaustion: Identify memory leaks or inefficient application behavior. Increase RAM or optimize application memory usage. See Memory Troubleshooting.
- Disk Space Issues: Analyze disk usage with `df -h` and identify large files or directories. Implement disk cleanup procedures or increase storage capacity. Review Disk Space Management.
- Network Connectivity Problems: Verify network configuration, DNS settings, and firewall rules. Use tools like `ping` and `traceroute` to diagnose network issues. Consult Network Troubleshooting Guide.
Further Documentation
- Server Hardware Inventory
- Operating System Installation Guide
- Application Deployment Procedure
- Disaster Recovery Plan
Intel-Based Server Configurations
| Configuration | Specifications | Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Core i7-6700K/7700 Server | 64 GB DDR4, NVMe SSD 2 x 512 GB | CPU Benchmark: 8046 |
| Core i7-8700 Server | 64 GB DDR4, NVMe SSD 2x1 TB | CPU Benchmark: 13124 |
| Core i9-9900K Server | 128 GB DDR4, NVMe SSD 2 x 1 TB | CPU Benchmark: 49969 |
| Core i9-13900 Server (64GB) | 64 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i9-13900 Server (128GB) | 128 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i5-13500 Server (64GB) | 64 GB RAM, 2x500 GB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i5-13500 Server (128GB) | 128 GB RAM, 2x500 GB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i5-13500 Workstation | 64 GB DDR5 RAM, 2 NVMe SSD, NVIDIA RTX 4000 |
AMD-Based Server Configurations
| Configuration | Specifications | Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 3600 Server | 64 GB RAM, 2x480 GB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 17849 |
| Ryzen 7 7700 Server | 64 GB DDR5 RAM, 2x1 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 35224 |
| Ryzen 9 5950X Server | 128 GB RAM, 2x4 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 46045 |
| Ryzen 9 7950X Server | 128 GB DDR5 ECC, 2x2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 63561 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/1TB) | 128 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/2TB) | 128 GB RAM, 2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/4TB) | 128 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (256GB/1TB) | 256 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (256GB/4TB) | 256 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 9454P Server | 256 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe |
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⚠️ *Note: All benchmark scores are approximate and may vary based on configuration. Server availability subject to stock.* ⚠️