Misalignment of data, particularly to the 4k boundaries, can significantly impact write operations on

a Linux server connected to an XtremIO storage system. Here’s why:

Block Size Alignment: Modern storage systems, including SSDs used in XtremIO arrays, typically use a

4k (4096 bytes) block size for data storage1. This is the smallest unit of data that can be read or

written to the storage.

Misalignment Issues: When data is misaligned, it means that the file system’s blocks do not line up

with the storage device’s blocks. This misalignment can cause additional read-modify-write cycles,

which can degrade performance and increase latency for write operations1.

Effect on Write Operations: If data is not aligned to the 4k boundaries, the storage system may need

to perform extra work to handle the writes, as each write operation could span multiple physical

blocks. This results in inefficient use of the storage array’s resources and can lead to reduced

throughput and increased wear on the SSDs1.

Linux Server Configuration: On a Linux server, ensuring proper alignment is crucial for optimal

performance. This can involve configuring the file system and partition alignment during the setup

and using tools that can check and correct alignment issues.

In conclusion, misaligned data to the 4k boundaries (OA) is a non-optimal configuration that can have

a significant effect on write operations on a Linux server connected to XtremIO. Proper alignment to

the storage system’s block size is essential for maintaining high performance and longevity of the

storage media1.