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RH442 & EX442

Course description

Performance tuning and capacity planning for Red Hat Enterprise Linux

RH422: Linux Performance Tuning

“Red Hat Performance Tuning: Linux in Physical, Virtual, and Cloud (RH422)” is designed for senior Linux® system administrators. The course focuses on the methodology of performance tuning, covering system architecture, performance adjustments, benchmarking utilities, networking optimization, and tuning configurations for specific workloads.

  • System Architecture Understanding: Gain insights into system architecture’s impact on performance.

  • Performance Adjustments: Learn techniques for optimizing Linux system performance.

  • Benchmarking Utilities: Explore open-source tools for accurate performance measurement.

  • Networking Optimization: Understand strategies for enhancing networking performance.

  • Tailored Configurations: Tune configurations to align with specific server use cases.

  • Based on RHEL 8: Aligned with Red Hat® Enterprise Linux 8 standards.

  • Extended Labs Access: 45-day access to hands-on labs post-course completion.

Course content summary

RH422: Linux Performance Tuning – Advanced Topics

This course delves into advanced topics for Linux Performance Tuning:

    1. Resource-Specific Scenario Analysis:
      • Develop skills to analyze and tune for specific resource-related scenarios.
    2. Utilizing Tuned Tool for Tuning Profiles:
      • Learn to apply tuning profiles effectively using the tuned tool.
    3. Virtual Environment Tuning:
      • Explore tuning techniques for both virtual hosts and guest environments.
    4. System Event Tracing and Profiling:
      • Master the art of tracing and profiling system events and activities.
    5. Tuning Resource Limits with systemd Cgroups:
      • Gain expertise in tuning resource limits and utilization through systemd-integrated cgroups.
    6. Performance Metrics Gathering and Benchmarking:
      • Acquire techniques to gather performance metrics and conduct benchmarking for informed decision-making.

This advanced course builds on the fundamentals, providing in-depth knowledge and practical skills for fine-tuning Linux performance across various scenarios and environments.

Audience for this course

This course is tailored for senior Linux system administrators with a focus on:
    1. Resource Utilization Maximization:
      • Those responsible for maximizing resource utilization in Linux environments.
    2. Performance Tuning Professionals:
      • Senior administrators keen on honing their performance tuning expertise.
Designed to address the needs of seasoned professionals, RH422 empowers administrators to fine-tune Linux systems for optimal performance across diverse scenarios.

Prerequisites for this course

Audience for this course

  • Senior Linux system administrators responsible for maximizing resource utilization through performance tuning

Outline for this course

RH422: Linux Performance Tuning – Course Highlights
    1. Introduction to Performance Tuning:
      • Gain a comprehensive understanding of performance tuning concepts and goals.
    2. Tool Selection Expertise:
      • Evaluate and choose from a wide array of performance monitoring tools bundled with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
    3. Hardware Resource Insight:
      • Learn to view and interpret hardware resource listings to inform tuning decisions.
    4. Kernel Tuning and Profiles:
      • Configure kernel tunables and tuned profiles to align the operating system with varied workload requirements.
    5. Resource Limit Management:
      • Effectively manage resource limits using control groups (cgroups) for services, applications, and users.
    6. Performance Analysis with Tracing Tools:
      • Diagnose system and application behaviors using resource-specific tracing tools.
    7. CPU, Memory, and Storage Tuning:
      • Master the art of tuning CPU, memory, and storage device I/O for optimized system performance.
    8. File System and Network Tuning:
      • Fine-tune file system and network settings to enhance application efficiency.
    9. Virtualization Environment Expertise:
      • Understand specific requirements for tuning in virtualized environments.
    10. Comprehensive Review:
      • Demonstrate acquired skills through practical observations, system metric evaluations, and configuration enhancements for improved performance.
This course equips Linux administrators with the knowledge and hands-on skills required to elevate system performance across various aspects.

Impact on the organization

Enhance your infrastructure performance, boost system utilization, minimize downtime, and fortify responsiveness to system failures with this comprehensive course. Tailored by Red Hat, the training is designed to bring tangible benefits to our customers. Keep in mind that every company and infrastructure is unique, so actual results may vary based on individual needs and configurations. Elevate your Linux system administration skills with a focus on performance tuning for real-world impact.

Impact on the individual

Upon completing this course, you’ll gain the ability to acquire, analyze, and interpret system performance metrics effectively. This skill set empowers you to enhance cost effectiveness, optimize application performance, and make informed decisions regarding hardware or cloud resource investments. Equip yourself with the expertise to navigate complex performance challenges and drive strategic decisions for your Linux infrastructure.

Exam description

The EX442 exam evaluates your proficiency in leveraging standard system tools for analyzing Red Hat Enterprise Linux and its applications. It assesses your ability to modify system and application behavior effectively to enhance performance. Successfully passing this exam earns you the title of Red Hat Certified Specialist in Performance Tuning, contributing toward achieving the prestigious Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) designation. The objectives are aligned with the latest Red Hat product version, ensuring relevance to current industry standards. Explore available exam versions to get started on your certification journey.

Audience Exam:

  • Experienced Linux Administrators: Ideal for those tasked with optimizing resource utilization through performance tuning.

  • RHCE Professionals: Specifically tailored for Red Hat Certified Engineers (RHCE) aiming to progress toward the esteemed Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) certification.

Prepare to validate your skills in maximizing system performance and join the ranks of certified specialists adept in the art of performance tuning.

Prerequisites:

  • Prerequisite Certification: Hold the title of Red Hat Certified System Architect (RHCSA) or possess equivalent expertise. An RHCE designation is highly advantageous.

  • Recommended Training: Consider completing the Red Hat Performance Tuning course (RH442) or demonstrate extensive hands-on experience in the field of performance tuning.

  • Objective Familiarity: Thoroughly review the exam objectives to ensure comprehensive coverage during your preparation.

Equip yourself with the right credentials and expertise to excel in the Red Hat Certified Specialist in Performance Tuning exam (EX442). This strategic approach ensures you’re well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

EX442 Exam Study Points: Prepare comprehensively for the Red Hat Certified Specialist in Performance Tuning exam (EX442) by mastering the following study points:
    1. Analyze System Behavior:
      • Utilize tools such as vmstat, iostat, mpstat, sar, gnome-system-monitor, top, powertop, and others for system and application behavior analysis.
      • Employ Performance Co-Pilot (PCP) to assess system behavior effectively.
      • Leverage utilities like dmesg, dmidecode, and sosreport to profile system hardware configurations.
    2. Monitor and Alter Kernel Behavior:
      • Use /proc/sys, sysctl, and /sys to inspect, modify, and set kernel run-time parameters.
      • Configure kernel behavior by adjusting module parameters.
    3. System and Application Performance Analysis:
      • Utilize tools like ps, top, Valgrind, SystemTap scripts, and eBPF tools to analyze system and application performance.
      • Make informed decisions on choosing application versions based on observed performance characteristics.
    4. Tune Running Systems:
      • Adjust process priorities for both new and existing processes.
      • Configure tuned profiles to optimize system performance.
      • Employ control groups to manage system resource usage effectively.
    5. Memory Utilization:
      • Tune memory utilization for improved performance.
      • Configure systems to support alternate page sizes for memory-intensive applications.
    6. Disk and File Subsystems Configuration:
      • Choose appropriate I/O scheduling algorithms.
      • Optimize file system layout based on specific use cases.
    7. Network Performance Tuning:
      • Calculate network buffer sizes considering bandwidth and round-trip time.
      • Set system buffer sizes based on calculated parameters.
Ensure persistent configurations post-reboot, demonstrating your proficiency in performance tuning on Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

Exam Preparation:

For optimal readiness, consider enrolling in the Red Hat Performance Tuning: Linux in Physical, Virtual, and Cloud (RH442) course offered by Red Hat. While attendance is optional, the class has proven beneficial for candidates, even those with substantial skills, enhancing their chances of success.

Attendance, however, is not a guarantee of exam success. Candidates with prior experience, consistent practice, and inherent aptitude are more likely to excel.

Various books and resources on system administration for Red Hat products are available. While not officially endorsed by Red Hat, additional reading can deepen understanding and support exam preparation.

Exam Format:

The exam is a performance-based evaluation of system administration skills. Candidates undertake routine system administration tasks and are assessed based on specific objective criteria. The format ensures that candidates demonstrate practical skills similar to those performed in real-world scenarios.

Prospective employers are encouraged to verify claims of holding the Red Hat Certified Specialist in Linux Performance Tuning credential by requesting the certificate number and using the Red Hat certification verification tool.

Scores and Reporting:

Official scores are accessible through Red Hat Certification Central, with results typically reported within 3 U.S. business days. Exam scores are presented as total scores, without detailed performance breakdowns.

In the event of an unsuccessful first attempt, candidates are eligible for one exam retake. For additional information, refer to the Training Policies page. Ensure you are well-prepared to showcase your expertise in Linux performance tuning with this Red Hat certification.

Validate Your Expertise:

As a Red Hat Certified Specialist in Performance Tuning, you demonstrate proficiency in:

  1. Analyzing System Behavior:

    • Utilize various utilities such as vmstat, iostat, sar, gnome-system-monitor, top, and powertop to comprehensively analyze and report system and application behavior.
    • Employ advanced tools like Performance Co-Pilot (PCP) to gain insights into nuanced system behavior.
  2. Monitoring and Altering Kernel Behavior:

    • Navigate through /proc/sys, sysctl, and /sys to effectively examine, modify, and set kernel runtime parameters.
    • Configure kernel behavior by adapting module parameters to align with specific performance requirements.
  3. Analyzing System and Application Performance:

    • Proficiently analyze system and application behavior using standard tools like ps, top, Valgrind, and explore configurations with SystemTap scripts.
    • Leverage eBPF tools, including syscount and gethostlatency, for in-depth diagnosis and optimization of system and application behavior.
  4. Tuning Running Systems:

    • Master the art of altering process priorities, both for new and existing processes, to optimize system resource sharing and scheduling.
    • Effectively select and configure tuned profiles, ensuring peak performance for varying workload requirements.
  5. Tuning Memory Utilization:

    • Configure systems to accommodate alternate page sizes, particularly beneficial for applications with substantial memory requirements.
    • Implement strategies to efficiently manage and tune memory utilization across diverse workloads.
  6. Configuring Disk and File Subsystems:

    • Make informed decisions on I/O scheduling algorithms, selecting the most suitable for optimal disk utilization.
    • Execute file system layout tuning, aligning configurations with specific usage scenarios and workload patterns.
  7. Tuning Network Performance:

    • Expertly calculate network buffer sizes, considering bandwidth and round-trip time, to ensure efficient data transfer.
    • Implement system buffer size adjustments based on meticulous calculations, enhancing overall network performance.

Achieving Red Hat certification as a Specialist in Performance Tuning attests to your hands-on expertise in maximizing system resources and optimizing performance across diverse dimensions.

Is this certification right for you?

Whether you’re steering systems through heavy workloads or aspiring to attain the esteemed Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA®) status, the Red Hat Certified Specialist in Performance Tuning is your gateway to advanced expertise. This certification is tailored for IT professionals like you, offering mastery in optimizing system performance amidst demanding workloads. By achieving this credential, you not only validate your prowess in performance tuning but also open doors to enhanced career prospects and industry recognition. Embrace the opportunity to navigate intricate performance challenges and fortify your position as a sought-after system administration expert. Elevate your professional journey with the Red Hat Certified Specialist in Performance Tuning and distinguish yourself in a competitive landscape.

 Test Your Skills and Knowledge

  • Optimize system performance with precision in the Red Hat Certified Specialist in Linux Performance Tuning Exam (EX442).
  • Demonstrate mastery in utilizing utilities, kernel adjustments, and performance analysis to enhance Linux system efficiency.

The best way to learn is to do

  • Accelerate your preparation for the Red Hat Certified Specialist in Performance Tuning by enrolling in the Red Hat Performance Tuning: Linux in Physical, Virtual, and Cloud (RH442) course.
  • Equip yourself with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in the performance tuning exam and optimize Linux systems across diverse environments.
    • Build and Administer APIs with Red Hat 3scale API Management (DO240)

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