Introducing LVE Cache Accounting: Resolving the Mystery of High Memory Usage for Web Servers

Web server administrators, hosting providers, and their clients often encounter the issue of total memory usage for LVE (Lightweight Virtual Environment) being higher than the sum of running processes. This discrepancy can be puzzling and concerning, especially for end-users who may not fully understand the technical aspects of RAM memory. To address this problem and provide a clear explanation, CloudLinux OS team is thrilled to announce the release of a new feature: LVE Cache Accounting. This feature removes cached memory from physical memory usage statistics, alleviating confusion and providing a more accurate representation of memory usage. In this blog post, we will delve into the problem, explore the new feature, and explain how it benefits both hosting providers and their clients.

 

Misleading Memory Usage Metrics

The problem arises when end-users observe that the total memory usage for LVE exceeds the sum of running processes. They see cached memory included in the “used memory” metric and become concerned about exceeding their allocated memory limits. This confusion can lead to dissatisfaction and frustration among hosting clients, who feel that they are approaching their memory limits despite having only a few active processes.

Understanding LVE Cache Accounting:

LVE Cache Accounting feature addresses the issue of misleading memory usage metrics. It allows hosting providers to include or exclude cache memory from LVE memory statistic calculations. By excluding cached memory, the reported memory usage becomes a more accurate representation of the actual resources utilized by active processes. This enables hosting providers to offer transparent and reliable memory usage data to their clients, fostering trust and understanding.

Benefits for Web Server Administrators and Hosting Providers:

1. Accurate Resource Allocation: LVE Cache Accounting ensures that the reported memory usage aligns more closely with the actual resources utilized by active processes. Hosting providers can allocate resources more effectively, avoiding unnecessary confusion or false alarms regarding memory limits.
2. Enhanced Client Satisfaction: By providing clearer and more accurate memory usage metrics, hosting providers can alleviate their clients’ concerns and build trust. Clients will have a better understanding of their resource consumption and can make informed decisions regarding their hosting plans.
3. Improved Communication: With LVE Cache Accounting, hosting providers can explain the technical details behind memory usage more easily. They can assure clients that the inclusion of cache memory does not indicate a problem but rather a standard behavior in Linux systems. This transparent communication strengthens the relationship between hosting providers and their clients.

Utilizing the New Feature:

Implementing LVE Cache Accounting is straightforward and can be done by switching a simple sysctl parameter kernel.memstat_nocache.. Detailed instructions and guidelines can be found in our comprehensive technical documentation. 

CloudLinux OS recognizes the challenges faced by web hosting providers and their clients. Our team is happy to continue to enhance the stability and efficiency of web hosting environments, and would love to answer any questions you may have, in the comments under this blog post.