Part 3 - Looking for feedback on our Tor relay configuration decision:
Looking for guidance on optimizing server / bandwidth spending for Tor guard / middle relays across datacenters.
Our current setup:
- All same cost: Three servers in different datacenters, each with 10 Gbps unmetered bandwidth. - Identical hardware/software: Each server has 128 threads, 512GB–768GB RAM, and the same software stack. - Diversity benefits: Each server hosts fewer than 10 other relays, enhancing overall network diversity. - Primary differences: Geographic location and upstream peering/routing.
Current Utilization:
- Server 1: 2Gbps utilized (20% utilization) - Server 2: 6Gbps utilized (60% utilization) - Server 3: 8Gbps utilized (80% utilization)
Overall, using 16 Gbps out of 30 Gbps purchased -- roughly half our bandwidth is idle / "wasted". Assuming we can't significantly optimize these servers any further and given the significant under utilization on Server 1 (80% idle) and Server 2 (40% idle), what would you do in this scenario? Some options we’re considering:
- Consolidation: Paying only for the servers with the highest utilization. - Repurposing: Allocating the idle bandwidth to another purpose that benefits Tor (or a similar effort). - Reinvestment: Using the funds from Servers 1 and 2 to acquire additional high-utilization capacity (e.g., more of Server 3 configuration) to boost our overall contribution closer to 24 Gbps. - Other strategies: Any alternative approaches you might suggest.
Appreciate any thoughts or best practices to help reduce wasted expenditure while maximizing the utility of our available resources. Thanks for your insights!