Introduction

When using Oracle as a database management system, it is essential to ensure that the connections to the database do not timeout. This can result in loss of data, incomplete transactions, or system crashes. In this article, we will discuss how to view the connection timeouts in Oracle and ways to manage them.

Viewing Connection Timeouts in Oracle

Oracle provides various ways to view the connection timeouts in the database. One of the most common ways is to check the SQLNET.ORA file. This file contains the SQLNet configuration parameters that affect the behavior of client connections to the database.

To view the connection timeouts, open the SQLNET.ORA file located in the $ORACLE_HOME/network/admin directory. Look for the parameters named SQLNET.INBOUND_CONNECT_TIMEOUT and SQLNET.OUTBOUND_CONNECT_TIMEOUT. These parameters specify the time (in seconds) for which a connection request can remain idle before it is terminated.

Managing Connection Timeouts

To ensure that the connections do not timeout, it is necessary to manage them effectively. There are various ways to manage the connection timeouts in Oracle.

One way is to optimize the SQL statements to reduce the time taken to execute the queries. Complex SQL statements can take longer to execute, thereby increasing the risk of timeouts.

Another way is to increase the values of the SQLNET.INBOUND_CONNECT_TIMEOUT and SQLNET.OUTBOUND_CONNECT_TIMEOUT parameters. This can be done by modifying the SQLNET.ORA file or using the dynamically modifiable parameters provided by Oracle.

Recommended Values for Connection Timeouts

Oracle recommends specific values for the SQLNET.INBOUND_CONNECT_TIMEOUT and SQLNET.OUTBOUND_CONNECT_TIMEOUT parameters based on the version of the database and the operating system. These values are specified in the Oracle documentation, and it is essential to ensure that they are set correctly.

For Oracle 19c and later, the recommended value for SQLNET.INBOUND_CONNECT_TIMEOUT is 60 seconds, and the recommended value for SQLNET.OUTBOUND_CONNECT_TIMEOUT is 180 seconds. For earlier versions of Oracle, the recommended values may vary.

It is also important to consider the requirements of the applications that use the database and set the timeouts accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, connection timeouts can be a significant problem when using Oracle as a database management system. It is essential to view and manage the timeouts effectively to ensure that the connections do not terminate prematurely. By understanding the SQLNET.INBOUND_CONNECT_TIMEOUT and SQLNET.OUTBOUND_CONNECT_TIMEOUT parameters, optimizing SQL statements, and setting the timeouts correctly, you can prevent loss of data or system crashes caused by timeouts.