It is one thing to know that a single Client Access Server is up and running, however in many Microsoft Exchange 2010 environment engineers are deploying multiple servers configured as an array for high availability. The purpose of the CAS Array is to balance the user’s connections on several CAS that deliver the protocol needed by the user.
GSX Monitor & Analyzer main features
Real Time monitoring of the service provided by the CAS Array
Warning
Real Time statistics
Load Balancing Monitoring
Real Time Statistics
GSX Monitor measures the performance of your underlying server hardware, additionally it takes also a step forward and makes the statistics available for reporting and trending in GSX Analyzer.
Some of the monitored performance metrics include :
- Server status
- Network availability
- CPU and Memory usage
Real Time monitoring of the service provided by the CAS Array
GSX acts as the bridge between different servers by providing real-time monitoring of the service provided by the array. GSX considers the CAS Array as a platform to deliver all of the protocols set among the different servers. When two servers are in the Array with all of the protocols configured on each server, if one server fails the Array can still deliver the protocols.
When four servers are part of the Array with only one different protocol configured on each server, when one server is down, the CAS Array is down.
If the Array is down, the left part of the LED will be red and an alert will be sent.
Warning
GSX also ensures that the administrator is aware of all errors – both critical and non-critical. By detecting and sending warnings if a non-critical error is detected on the array, the system ensures that the administrator has a chance to address these errors before the error becomes more serious.
For example, if the hour changed on one of the servers it leads to real-time replication. With GSX, this problem won’t lead to server failure, and the protocols will still be available.
GSX also alerts the administrator when of the CAS servers is down but the protocol can still be delivered by another server. In this case, the Array is not down but the administrator will be alerted on this non-critical error so they can address it at this non-critical juncture.
Real Time statistics
GSX enables the administrator to stay on top of the system by displaying in real time the critical information related to the CAS Array. Critical information includes:
- Protocol availability across the CAS Array: Shows the performance of the Array to deliver the service.
- CAS Array load balancing by number of connections: Shows the repartition of the load between servers and hence shows if the Array is really performing its load balancing task and how.
Load Balancing Monitoring
GSX gathers information through WMI and performs PowerShell tests to check the status of the nodes.
Through GSX, the NLB status is displayed and based on the services in charge to keep the NLB up and running;. The convergence of the node is also displayed.
GSX checks each node and send two types of alerts:
- WARNING if Node is converging or draining
- DOWN if Node is not converged, converging or draining.
GSX checks also the node at the CAS Array level and send 2 different types of alerts:
- WARNING if a node is in warning
- DOWN if a node is down or can't resolve or ping the VIP
If the NLB is down (or warning) the CAS Array is also down (or warning).
Real Time Statistics
GSX gives real-time statistics on the critical points of the NLB. In one view, you gather all the information related to your CAS role, CAS Array and Network Load Balancer.
Some Common Statistics:
- NLB: Successful: Status and time to access the VIP.
- X port rule(s) configured: Port rule(s) that determines what is proceeded by the NLB.
Example: Between the port 80 and 85 only TCP protocol will be dispatched across the node.
- Status of the NLB Nodes: Node name, Convergence status, NIC availability (GSX tests the availability of the Network Interface Card dedicated to the NLB), Net connection (GSX checks the NIC and the network).
