Fragmentation (computing) - Performance Degradation Due To Fragmentation

Performance Degradation Due To Fragmentation

Memory fragmentation is one of the most severe problems faced by system managers. Over time, it leads to degradation of system performance. Eventually, memory fragmentation may lead to complete loss of free memory.

Memory fragmentation is a kernel programming level problem. During real-time computing of applications, fragmentation levels can reach as high as 99%, and may lead to system crashes or other instabilities. This type of system crash can be difficult to avoid, as it is impossible to anticipate the critical rise in levels of memory fragmentation.

According to research conducted by the International Data Corporation, the performance degradation is largely due to external fragmentation; the lifespan of server is shortened by 33% by external fragmentation alone. This leads to a direct increase of 33% in the yearly budget for hardware upgrades. Thus it can be concluded that memory fragmentation has an undesirable effect not only on memory usage and processing speed of the system but also on hardware components and cost of a project.

Read more about this topic:  Fragmentation (computing)

Famous quotes containing the words performance, degradation and/or due:

    Just as the performance of the vilest and most wicked deeds requires spirit and talent, so even the greatest demand a certain insensitivity which under other circumstances we would call stupidity.
    —G.C. (Georg Christoph)

    I suppose one has a greater sense of intellectual degradation after an interview with a doctor than from any human experience.
    Alice James (1848–1892)

    Only what is rare is valuable.
    Let no one dare to call another mad who is not himself willing to rank in the same class for every perversion and fault of judgment. Let no one dare aid in punishing another as criminal who is not willing to suffer the penalty due to his own offenses.
    Margaret Fuller (1810–1850)