> This device seems completely unsuitable for use as a > ZFS slog as it is > described in this case. The ZFS log isn't just there > for the case where > we loose power but also for the (hopefully even > rarer) cases where the > operating system panics. How would this device work > in that case [ with > fast reboot and with reboot via the BIOS ] ? > > I have no problem with OpenSolaris having a driver > for this, and while > the command seems very clunky and unfortunate it > seems necessary given > the current state of the hardware. My concern is > how it is recommended > for use (or implied even). However I don't really > see that as arc review. > > If this were a full case on Sun designed hardware and > software I'd be > TCA strong verging on TCR to have the functionality > redesigned to not > require the command for "backup". However it is a > third party device so > it is what it is.
My concern with using it to accelerate non-volatile storage is partly with the prospects for human error (adapter cord to trip over, command that needs to be run), but also that in my rather cursory visit to the vendor's web site, I saw no mention of ECC memory. I sure hope I just missed that. Do we know if the device needs the OS to stick around after the copy-to-flash command is issued? Seems it might be nice to issue that command in the face of SIGPWR (or a powerfail inittab entry if that still means anything); not a real workaround for hardware limitations, but perhaps better than nothing. -- This message posted from opensolaris.org
