File server issues

Hello all,

So, this problem, it really could be almost anything, could be the network
core, it could be the DAS that I have connected to the server (although Dell
claims it is fine), could be, could be, could be. I have always had good
luck coming here to find answers so I figured I would post.

The issue is, our file server after approximately 2 weeks, is so slow
browsing over the network that it is almost unusable. When I've seen it at
its worse, it will take 20 to 30 seconds to open a completely empty folder.
Then after I reboot the box, everything is back to normal for another couple
of weeks.

I have run through some things with Dell Support, basically making sure
dirvers and firmware are up to date, and they claim the unit is solid.

So, here are the specifics:

Server:
Dell PowerEdge 2950 - Dual Dual Core Xeon @ 2.33 GHz and 4 GB of RAM

DAS:
Dell PowerVault 220s - Split the cab in two arrays right down the middle

If anyone has any input or needs more info please let me know. In my
opinion, it seems like there is some sort of buffer, or something that is
filling up and not flushing itself.

Also, in my Broadcom Control Suite, I have the option for Smart Load
Balancing and Failover, Link Aggregation (802.3ad), Generic Trunking
(FEC/GEC_/802.3ad-Draft Static and SLB (Auto-Fallback Disable). If anyone
can fill me in on the advantages and disadvantages of these that would be
helpful also.

Sorry for such a long post, but I tried to get all of the pertinant
information I could.

Thanks,

Mark

Are you noticing heavy RAM usage when the server slows down? Also,
what about running a netstat -a. See if thier are any interesting
ports open.

Thanks
Micah A. Norman