Under Extreme Load Server Crashes While Streaming MBR Content (238834)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Media Services 4.0
This article was previously published under Q238834

SYMPTOMS

Under an extremely heavy load while streaming high-bandwidth (200 Kbit or greater) multi-bitrate content, the CPU may be at 100-percent utilization. Clients will disconnect or you might get an application error in the unicast service (Nsum.exe).

CAUSE

A heavy load of clients at a high bitrate causes the server CPU to max out. As a result, packets get "backed up" and memory use grows quickly. Because clients aren't receiving packets, they starve and time out. Once these clients have disconnected, the memory is eventually released, and clients begin connecting again. While the CPU is at 100 percent, memory usage is high, and the clients have not yet disconnected, the unicast service may crash.

WORKAROUND

Limit bandwidth that the server sends out in the Windows Media Administrator Server Properties or use a faster CPU.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Microsoft Windows Media Services version 4.0.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/1/1999
Keywords:kbbug kbDSupport KB238834
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