Smoothwall Through-put query

[timbo343]

I'd thought i'd test our uploads as we are putting more stuff into the cloud, especially backups.

 

The main question is, should the Smoothwall hinder performance when uploading data to the cloud providers?

 

I performed 4 tests all uploading 26Gb to Google drive and well, i'll let the screen shots do the talking. Bear in mind that the NyNet line is about 250Mb up and down, and the TalkTalk line is 900mb down / 110mb up.

 

Upload the 26Gb file to Google via Smoothwall via the NyNet Line:

 

Upload the 26Gb file to Google via Smoothwall via the TalkTalk Line:

 

Upload the 26Gb file to Google via the NyNet Line direct (no connection through the smoothwall):

 

Upload the 26Gb file to Google via the TalkTalk Line direct (no connection through the smoothwall):

 

To me it seems the connection through the smoothwall is hindered so much.

 

Bear in mind when going via the Smoothwall, the device is not going via any proxies.

 

Is there something wrong with the Smoothwall?

Edited November 28, 2022 by timbo343

[ChrisC]

What model/age smoothwall appliance are you going through?

 

Do you have any bandwidth management applied in the proxy settings?

 

I saw an issue with an older S8 appliance a while back where we saw packet loss specifically during video calls which didn't cause any adverse affect with general browsing/streaming etc.

 

After some investigation with Smoothwall support, they suggested there was an alternative Intel driver, that fixed the issue instantly!

[timbo343]

What model/age smoothwall appliance are you going through?

 

Do you have any bandwidth management applied in the proxy settings?

 

I saw an issue with an older S8 appliance a while back where we saw packet loss specifically during video calls which didn't cause any adverse affect with general browsing/streaming etc.

 

After some investigation with Smoothwall support, they suggested there was an alternative Intel driver, that fixed the issue instantly!

 

It's a May 2022 S9 model so pretty much brand new.

 

No bandwidth management module installed nor any Bandwidth limitation policies set but the test was done so that this device did no go via the proxy.

[ChrisC]

I'd certainly raise it with support, if they have remote access available to the appliance they can hop on and run some checks in the background.

[ibpalle]

Yes raise it with support and let them have a look. Also check routing in your setup - make sure only the external connection has a gateway and that any internal routes are put in the network - routing - subnets section. If you want to dig a bit on your own, on the console you can use tools like 'ethtool' to check status of the interfaces and 'wget' can be used as well to test downloads directly to the Smoothwall.

[timbo343]

Yes raise it with support and let them have a look. Also check routing in your setup - make sure only the external connection has a gateway and that any internal routes are put in the network - routing - subnets section. If you want to dig a bit on your own, on the console you can use tools like 'ethtool' to check status of the interfaces and 'wget' can be used as well to test downloads directly to the Smoothwall.

 

Thanks, i've not had chance to raise it today but will try to raise it tomorrow.

 

I've had a look in Network > Routing > Subnets and there is nothing noted in there. As for the tools on the console, i'll leave that to support as im not even 50% sure what commands im supposed to be running.

[ibpalle]

Thanks, i've not had chance to raise it today but will try to raise it tomorrow.

 

I've had a look in Network > Routing > Subnets and there is nothing noted in there. As for the tools on the console, i'll leave that to support as im not even 50% sure what commands im supposed to be running.

 

Then stay away from the console - it was just a suggestion in case you were comfortable with that.

 

Any IDS policies active? You can find them in the Services » Intrusion system » IDS section. Not likely but worth a look.

[timbo343]

@ibpalle

 

I was using the graphs as a benchmark and for me they are providing a valuable tool especially when i don't have anything else to use.

 

Testing a 5.3gb file to Google drive on my 110Mb upload line takes about 9 mins.

 

Testing on the NyNet line which supposed to have a greater upload takes 30 mins (when put through the SFP GBIC adapter) but move the NyNet line to a Ethernet Nic and test again and the upload time is 2mins.

 

The graphs show how the performance differs and for me they have greatly helped.

 

I have a feeling the GBIC devices that have been sent https://www.fs.com/uk/products/66612.html could be at fault or our Smoothwall box needs new drivers for the SFP card in the box.

 

Support have told me the GBICs are not the right ones yet i know that other schools in our county have the same modules. Some schools have the same issue, others dont have an issue.