Setting the device statistics collection interval

IBM Storage Virtualize storage systems use a statistics collection interval that is a part of the IBM Storage Virtualize firmware. It controls how frequently the storage system collects its per-node statistics for volumes, managed disks, and nodes.

The statistics collection interval is different than the performance monitoring interval set for the storage system schedule in IBM Storage Insights. Most of the time, you do not need to adjust the statistics collection interval on the storage system as IBM Storage Insights sets it for you. But, if it is necessary to adjust the statistics collection interval on the IBM Storage Virtualize storage system, then consider the following important information:
  • IBM Storage Insights uses a default performance monitoring interval of 5 minutes.
  • Set the statistics collection interval on the IBM Storage Virtualize storage system to a value less than or equal to the current performance monitoring interval set in IBM Storage Insights.
  • Set the statistics collection interval on the IBM Storage Virtualize storage system to a value that is a divisor of the current performance monitoring interval set for the storage system in the IBM Storage Insights.

    For example, for a default performance monitoring interval of 5 minutes in IBM Storage Insights, set the statistics collection interval on the storage system to either 1 minute or 5 minutes by using the startstats command. Using other collection intervals on the storage device can result in missed samples.

  • To determine the current statistics collection interval, log on to the IBM Storage Virtualize storage system as a user with the Administrator or SecurityAdmin role and execute the following command:
    lsdumps -prefix /dumps/iostats

    Examine the returned file names as each file name contains the timestamp at which the file was created. For example, if the statistics file named Nv_stats_XXXXXXX-1_240304_111225 was created at 11:12:25 and the previous statistics file named Nv_stats_XXXXXXX-1_240304_110725 was created at 11:07:25, then it indicates a current statistics interval of 5 minutes on the IBM Storage Virtualize storage system.

  • If the collection interval on the storage system needs to be adjusted, log on to the IBM Storage Virtualize storage system as a user with the Administrator or SecurityAdmin role and use the startstats command to adjust the statistics collection interval. The following example sets it to 5 minutes.
    startstats -interval 5