For optimizing extracts in a Tableau Server environment, what is a recommended topology configuration?

Opting to isolate the backgrounder on a second node is recommended for optimizing extracts in a Tableau Server environment because this setup helps to distribute the workload effectively. The backgrounder is responsible for executing tasks such as running scheduled extract refreshes and subscriptions. By positioning it on a dedicated node, system resources—such as CPU and memory—can be allocated specifically for those tasks, minimizing competition with other processes.

This isolation ensures that heavy extract operations do not negatively impact user interactions or query performance handled by the VizQL processes. Implementing this kind of topology can lead to improved performance and reliability, allowing for more scalable management of data extraction and processing workloads.

In contrast, combining VizQL and Backgrounder processes on one node could lead to resource contention, where the processes interfere with each other due to limited resources. Limiting the Data Server process to one can restrict data handling capabilities, which may not be optimal in scenarios where high data throughput is required. Lastly, running all processes on a single node may create a bottleneck, resulting in decreased performance under high loads, as all activities would compete for the same resources. Thus, isolating the backgrounder is seen as the most efficient and effective way to enhance performance in a Tableau Server environment.