Changing network packet sizes

Typically, OLTP sends and receives large numbers of packets that contain very little data. A typical insert or update statement may be only 100 or 200 bytes. A data retrieval, even one that joins several tables, may bring back only one or two rows of data, and still not completely fill a packet. Applications using stored procedures and cursors also typically send and receive small packets.

Decision-support applications often include large query batches and return larger result sets.

In both OLTP and DSS environments, there may be special needs, such as batch data loads or text processing, that can benefit from larger packets.

For most applications, the default network packet size of 2048 works well. Change the default network packet size to 512 if the application uses only short queries and receives small result sets.

Chapter 5, “Setting Configuration Parameters,” in System Administration Guide: Volume 1 describes how to change these configuration parameters:

Only a system administrator can change these configuration parameters.