tomcat java high cpu load

[VINCENT SPURGEON]

I have two identical servers: 9000/800/A500-44 running Tomcat 3.2.4 and 01.03.12.03.01 HP Apache-based Web Server with Strong (128bit) Encryption.

We are running SEVEN seperate tomcat instances (each with their own JVM).

The system load constantly fluctuates from around 3 to over 10. This load corresponds directly to the runq value (sar -q). But the system shows a idle state of 60% or better (sar -u).

I have applied ALL the recommended patches and kernel parameters per HP Jconfig software.

The tomcat JVM's are always at the top (when running top). Other application JVM's are no where near the top.

These tomcat applications also make weblogic connections to a different server on the backend.

Has anyone run into a tomcat performance issue such as this?

[Steve Steel · Accepted solution]

Hi

from http://jakarta.apache.org/tomcat/

There are several versions of Tomcat 3.x currently available for download:

Version 3.3 is the current production quality release for the Servlet 2.2 and JSP 1.1 specifications. Tomcat 3.3 is the latest continuation of the Tomcat 3.x architecture and it is more advanced then 3.2.4, which is the 'old' production quality release.
Version 3.2.4 is the 'old' production quality release and is now in maintenance only mode.
Version 3.1.1 is a legacy release.
All Tomcat 3.x releases trace their heritage back to the original Servlet and JSP implementations that Sun donated to the Apache Software Foundation. The 3.x versions all implement the Servlet 2.2 and JSP 1.1 specifications.

The releases are described in more detail below to help you determine which one is right for you. More details about each release can be found in the associated release notes.

Tomcat 4.0.x. Tomcat 4.0.3 is the current production quality release. Tomcat 4.0 is the next generation of Tomcat. The 4.0 servlet container (Catalina) has been developed from the ground up for flexibility and performance. Version 4.0 implements the final released versions of the Servlet 2.3 and JSP 1.2 specifications. As required by the specifications, Tomcat 4.0 also supports web applications built for the Servlet 2.2 and JSP 1.1 specifications with no changes.

Tomcat 3.3.x. Version 3.3.1 is the current production quality release. It continues the refactoring that was begun in version 3.2 and carries it to its logical conclusion. Version 3.3 provides a much more modular design and allows the servlet container to be customized by adding and removing modules that control the processing of servlet requests. This version also contains many performance improvements.

Tomcat 3.2.x. Version 3.2 added few new features since 3.1; the major effort was a refactoring of the internals to improve performance and stability. The 3.2.1 release, like 3.1.1, was a security patch. Version 3.2.2 fixed a large number of bugs and all known specification compliance issues. Version 3.2.3 was a security update that closes a serious security hole. Version 3.2.4 is a minor bug fix release. All users of Tomcat versions prior to 3.2.3 should updgrade as soon as possible. With the exception of fixes for critical security related bugs, development on the Tomcat 3.2.x branch has stopped.

Conclusion

Upgrade your tomcat

Steve steel