Migrate Amazon OpenSearch clusters from t2 to t3 instances to leverage improved performance, better CPU credits, and support for gp3 storage at the same price point.
Why This Policy Matters
Performance and Cost Efficiency
Upgrading to t3 instances provides critical advantages:
- Higher CPU Performance: tT3 instances offer more advanced CPU architecture
- Consistent Pricing: Same cost as t2 instances
- Enhanced Storage Support: Native gp3 storage integration
- Improved Burst Performance: More generous CPU credit mechanism
Potential Cost Savings
Organizations can realize significant benefits:
- Compute Efficiency: Up to 30% better CPU performance
- Storage Cost Reduction: Potential 10-15% storage cost optimization
- Lower Total Cost of Ownership: More compute power without price premium
Implementation Guide
Infrastructure-as-Code Example (Terraform)
# Before (Inefficient T2 Configuration)
resource "aws_opensearch_domain" "legacy_cluster" {
domain_name = "old-search-cluster"
instance_type = "t2.small.search"
# Other configuration
}
# After (Optimized T3 Configuration)
resource "aws_opensearch_domain" "optimized_cluster" {
domain_name = "new-search-cluster"
instance_type = "t3.small.search" # Updated instance type
# Enhanced configuration options
}Manual Migration Steps
- Assess Current Environment
- Inventory existing T2 OpenSearch instances
- Evaluate workload characteristics
- Determine appropriate T3 instance size
- Plan Migration
- Schedule maintenance window
- Create snapshot of existing domain
- Prepare rollback strategy
- Execute Migration
- Update instance type in AWS Console or infrastructure code
- Verify cluster health post-migration
- Monitor performance metrics
Best Practices
- Gradual Rollout: Migrate non-production environments first
- Performance Testing: Validate application compatibility
- Cost Monitoring: Track performance and cost metrics
- Use Infracost: Prevent future misconfigurations and estimate potential savings
Recommended Tools
- Infracost: Scan infrastructure code for optimization opportunities
- AWS Cost Explorer: Track migration cost impacts
- AWS Performance Insights: Monitor cluster performance post-migration
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: E-commerce Search Optimization
- Challenge: Legacy t2 instances limiting search performance
- Solution: t3 migration improved query response times by 40%
- Result: Enhanced user experience, reduced infrastructure costs
Scenario 2: Log Analytics Platform
- Challenge: Growing log volume straining existing infrastructure
- Solution: t3 instances provided better burst performance
- Result: More efficient data processing, lower operational overhead
Considerations and Caveats
Potential Limitations
- Workload Compatibility: Not all applications benefit equally
- Migration Complexity: Requires careful planning
- Potential Temporary Performance Dips: During initial migration
When to Avoid
- Stable, Low-Traffic Environments
- Highly Specialized Workloads
- Instances with Custom Performance Requirements