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nkthread
Specify the maximum number of threads that all processes combined can run, system-wide, at any given time.
Acceptable Values:
Minimum: 50
Maximum: 4194304
Default: (nproc*2)+16
Specify integer or formula value. For more information, see Specifying Parameter Values.
Description
Processes that use threads for improved performance create multiple copies of certain portions of their process space, which requires memory space for thread storage as
well as processor and system overhead related to managing the threads. On systems running large threaded applications, a large number of threads may be required. The
kernel parameter max_thread_proc limits the number of threads that a single process can create, but there may be other threaded applications on the system that also use
a large number of threads or they may have more modest requirements.
nkthread limits the combined total number of threads that can be running on the system at any given time from all processes on the system. This value protects the system
against being overwhelmed by a large number of threads that exceeds normal, reasonable operation. It protects the system against overload if multiple large applications are
running, and also protects the system from users who might maliciously attempt to sabotage system operation by launching a large number of threaded programs, causing
resources to become unavailable for normal system needs.
The default value allows an average of two threads per process plus an additional system allowance. If you need to use a larger value:
* Determine the total number of threads required by each threaded application on the system; especially any large applications.
* Determine how many and which of these will be running simultaneously at any given time.
* Add these together and combine with a reasonable allowance for other users or processes that might run occasionally using threads (nproc*2 might be a useful
number).
* Select a value for nkthread that is large enough to accommodate the total, but not so large that it compromises system integrity.
On large systems with many threaded applications running simultaneously, some experimentation may be required while using system process-monitoring tools and
programs.
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harry d brown jr
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