6 Local Naming Parameters in the tnsnames.ora File
Learn about the Oracle Net service names local naming parameters that you specify in the tnsnames.ora configuration file.
               
- Overview of Local Naming Parameters
 Thetnsnames.orafile is a configuration file that contains network service names that are mapped to connect descriptors for the Local Naming method.
- General Syntax of tnsnames.ora
 In this example, you can see the generaltnsnames.orafile syntax.
- Using Multiple Descriptions in tnsnames.ora Files
 In this example, you can see two connect descriptors with multiple addresses.
- Multiple Address Lists in tnsnames.ora Files
 Thetnsnames.orafile supports connect descriptors with multiple lists of addresses, each with its own characteristics. Learn how to configure multiple address lists intnsnames.orafiles.
- Connect-Time Failover and Client Load Balancing with Oracle Connection Managers
 Whentnsnames.oraconnect descriptors have at least two protocol addresses for Oracle Connection Manager, you can also include parameters for connect-time failover and load balancing in the file.
- Connect Descriptor Descriptions
 Specify connect descriptors using theDESCRIPTIONparameter. Identify multiple connect descriptors with theDESCRIPTION_LISTparameter.
- Protocol Addresses
 The protocol address section of atnsnames.orafile specifies listener protocol addresses.
- Optional Parameters for Description
 Use these parameters to configure connect descriptor containers under theDESCRIPTIONparameter.
- Connection Data Section
 Learn how to configure network connections with protocol addresses.
- Security Section
 The security section of thetnsnames.orafile specifies these security-related parameters for use with Oracle security features.
- Timeout Parameters
 The timeout section of thetnsnames.ora file provides the ability to specify timeout and retry configuration through the TNS connect string.
- Compression Parameters
 The compression section of thetnsnames.orafile provides the ability to enable compression and specify compression levels. These parameters can be set at theDESCRIPTIONlevel of a connect string.
6.1 Overview of Local Naming Parameters
The tnsnames.ora file is a configuration file that contains network service names that are mapped to connect descriptors for the Local Naming method.
                  
A net service name is an alias that is mapped to a database network address that is contained in a connect descriptor. A connect descriptor contains the location of the listener that is accessed through a protocol address and the service name of the database to which to connect. Clients and database servers that are clients of other database servers use the net service name when connecting with applications.
Typically, tools such as Oracle Database Configuration Assistant (DBCA) and Oracle Net Configuration Assistant (NETCA) create the tnsnames.ora file in the ORACLE_HOME/network/admin directory for Oracle Database installations, the GRID_HOME/network/admin directory for Oracle Grid Infrastructure installations, or the corresponding ORACLE_BASE_HOME/network/admin directory for a read-only Oracle home. Note that if you have installed multiple databases, then the file is created in the Oracle home or Grid home where DBCA or NETCA is run (or the Oracle base home for read-only instances).
                  
The order for checking the tnsnames.ora file is:
                  
- 
                        The directory specified by the TNS_ADMINenvironment variable
- 
                        If the TNS_ADMINenvironment variable is not set or the file is not found in theTNS_ADMINdirectory:- 
                              On Linux and UNIX: The ORACLE_HOME/network/admindirectory (or itsORACLE_BASE_HOME/network/admindirectory for a read-only Oracle home)
- 
                              On Windows: The ORACLE_HOME\network\admindirectory (or itsORACLE_BASE_HOME\network\admindirectory for a read-only Oracle home)
 
- 
                              
- 
                        For a read-only Oracle home, if the file is not found in the Oracle base home: - 
                              On Linux and UNIX: The ORACLE_HOME/network/admindirectory
- 
                              On Windows: The ORACLE_HOME\network\admindirectory
 
- 
                              
Note:
- 
                           On Windows, the ORACLE_HOMElocation is determined by theORACLE_HOME\bin\oracle.keyfile (which contains the name of the Windows Registry key whereORACLE_HOMEis defined). Also, theTNS_ADMINenvironment variable is used if it is set in the environment of the process. If you do not define theTNS_ADMINenvironment variable in the environment or if the process is a service that does not have an environment, then Windows scans the registry for aTNS_ADMINparameter.
- 
                           With Oracle Instant Client, tnsnames.orais located in the subdirectory of the Oracle Instant Client software. For example, in the/opt/oracle/instantclient_release_number/network/admindirectory.
Related Topics
Parent topic: Local Naming Parameters in the tnsnames.ora File
6.2 General Syntax of tnsnames.ora
In this example, you can see the general tnsnames.ora file syntax.
                  
Here, DESCRIPTION contains the connect descriptor, ADDRESS contains the protocol address, and CONNECT_DATA contains database service identification information.
                  
Example 6-1 Basic Format of tnsnames.ora File
net_service_name= (DESCRIPTION=(ADDRESS=(protocol_address_information))(CONNECT_DATA= (SERVICE_NAME=service_name) ) )
Parent topic: Local Naming Parameters in the tnsnames.ora File
6.3 Using Multiple Descriptions in tnsnames.ora Files
In this example, you can see two connect descriptors with multiple addresses.
A tnsnames.ora file can contain net service names with one or more connect descriptors. Each connect descriptor can contain one or more protocol addresses.
                  
Use the tnsnames.ora parameter DESCRIPTION_LIST to define the list of connect descriptors.
                  
Example 6-2 Net Service Name with Multiple Connect Descriptors in tnsnames.ora
net_service_name= (DESCRIPTION_LIST= (DESCRIPTION=
   (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales1-svr)(PORT=1521))
   (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales2-svr)(PORT=1521))
   (CONNECT_DATA=
     (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)))
  (DESCRIPTION=    (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=hr1-svr)(PORT=1521))
   (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=hr2-svr)(PORT=1521))
   (CONNECT_DATA=
     (SERVICE_NAME=hr.us.example.com))))
Note:
Oracle Net Manager does not support multiple connect descriptors for a net service name if you use Oracle Connection Manager.
Parent topic: Local Naming Parameters in the tnsnames.ora File
6.4 Multiple Address Lists in tnsnames.ora Files
The tnsnames.ora file supports connect descriptors with multiple lists of addresses, each with its own characteristics. Learn how to configure multiple address lists in tnsnames.ora files.
                  
The following example shows two address lists. The first address list features client load balancing and no connect-time failover. These setting apply only to protocol addresses that are within its ADDRESS_LIST. The second protocol address list does not enable client load loading balancing, but the list does enable connect-time failover. These settings affect only protocol addresses that are included in its ADDRESS_LIST. The client first tries the first or second protocol address at random, then it tries protocol addresses number three and four, in that order, and so on.
                  
Example 6-3 Multiple Address Lists in tnsnames.ora Files
net_service_name= (DESCRIPTION= (ADDRESS_LIST= (LOAD_BALANCE=on) (FAILOVER=off) (ADDRESS=(protocol_address_information)) (ADDRESS=(protocol_address_information))) (ADDRESS_LIST= (LOAD_BALANCE=off) (FAILOVER=on) (ADDRESS=(protocol_address_information)) (ADDRESS=(protocol_address_information))) (CONNECT_DATA= (SERVICE_NAME=service_name)))
Note:
- 
                           Oracle Net Manager supports only the creation of one protocol address list for a connect descriptor. 
- 
                           Oracle Net Services supports the IFILE parameter in the tnsnames.orafile, with up to three levels of nesting. You must add the parameter manually to the file. The following is an example of the syntax:IFILE=/tmp/listener_em.ora IFILE=/tmp/listener_cust1.ora IFILE=/tmp/listener_cust2.ora 
Parent topic: Local Naming Parameters in the tnsnames.ora File
6.5 Connect-Time Failover and Client Load Balancing with Oracle Connection Managers
When tnsnames.ora connect descriptors have at least two protocol addresses for Oracle Connection Manager, you can also include parameters for connect-time failover and load balancing in the file.
                  
Example 6-4 Multiple Oracle Connection Manager Addresses in tnsnames.ora
This example illustrates the failover of multiple Oracle Connection Manager protocol addresses.
sample1=
 (DESCRIPTION= 
   (SOURCE_ROUTE=yes) 
   (ADDRESS_LIST=
     (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=host1)(PORT=1630))    # 1 
     (ADDRESS_LIST=  
       (FAILOVER=on) 
       (LOAD_BALANCE=off)                               #  2 
       (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=host2a)(PORT=1630)) 
       (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=host2b)(PORT=1630)))
     (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=host3)(PORT=1521)))    #  3
   (CONNECT_DATA=(SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)))
The previous syntax does the following:
- 
                           The client connects to the protocol address of the first Oracle Connection Manager as indicated by: (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=host1)(PORT=1630))
- 
                           Oracle Connection Manager connects to the first protocol address of another Oracle Connection Manager. If the first protocol address fails, then it tries to connect to the second protocol address. This sequence is specified with the following configuration: (ADDRESS_LIST= (FAILOVER=on) (LOAD_BALANCE=off) (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=host2a)(PORT=1630)) (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=host2b)(PORT=1630)))
- 
                           Oracle Connection Manager connects to the database service using the following protocol address: (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=host3)(PORT=1521))
Example 6-5 Client Load Balancing in tnsnames.ora
This example illustrates client load balancing among two Oracle Connection Managers and two protocol addresses:
sample2=
 (DESCRIPTION= 
   (LOAD_BALANCE=on)                                    # 1
   (FAILOVER=on)
   (ADDRESS_LIST= 
     (SOURCE_ROUTE=yes) 
     (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=host1)(PORT=1630))    # 2
     (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=host2)(PORT=1521)))
  (ADDRESS_LIST= 
     (SOURCE_ROUTE=yes) 
     (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=host3)(port=1630)) 
     (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=host4)(port=1521)))
   (CONNECT_DATA=(SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)))  # 3
The previous syntax does the following:
- 
                           The client selects an ADDRESS_LISTat random and fails over to the other address if the chosenADDRESS_LISTfails. This is indicated if you set theLOAD_BALANCEandFAILOVERparameters toon.
- 
                           When an ADDRESS_LISTis chosen, the client first connects to Oracle Connection Manager using the Oracle Connection Manager protocol address that uses port 1630 as is indicated for theADDRESS_LIST.
- 
                           Oracle Connection Manager then connects to the database service using the protocol address that is indicated for the ADDRESS_LIST.
Parent topic: Local Naming Parameters in the tnsnames.ora File
6.6 Connect Descriptor Descriptions
Specify connect descriptors using the DESCRIPTION parameter. Identify multiple connect descriptors with the DESCRIPTION_LIST parameter.
                  
- DESCRIPTION_LIST
 TheDESCRIPTION_LISTparameter of thetnsnames.orafile defines a list of connect descriptors for a particular net service name.
- DESCRIPTION
 Use thetnsnames.orafileDESCRIPTIONparameter to specify connect descriptor containers.
Parent topic: Local Naming Parameters in the tnsnames.ora File
6.6.1 DESCRIPTION_LIST
The DESCRIPTION_LIST parameter of the tnsnames.ora file defines a list of connect descriptors for a particular net service name.
                     
Purpose
To define a list of connect descriptors for a particular net service name.
Example 6-6 Example
net_service_name= 
(DESCRIPTION_LIST=
 (DESCRIPTION=
  (ADDRESS=...)
  (CONNECT_DATA=(SERVICE_NAME=sales.example.com)))
 (DESCRIPTION=
Parent topic: Connect Descriptor Descriptions
6.6.2 DESCRIPTION
Use the tnsnames.ora file DESCRIPTION  parameter to specify connect descriptor containers.
                     
Purpose
To specify a container for a connect descriptor.
Usage Notes
When using more than one DESCRIPTION parameter, place the parameters under the DESCRIPTION_LIST parameter.
                        
Example 6-7 DESCRIPTION Parameter Example
net_service_name=
(DESCRIPTION=
  (ADDRESS=...)
  (CONNECT_DATA=(SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)))Parent topic: Connect Descriptor Descriptions
6.7 Protocol Addresses
The protocol address section of a tnsnames.ora file specifies listener protocol addresses.
                  
If there is only one listener protocol address, then use the ADDRESS parameter. If there is more than one address, then use the ADDRESS_LIST parameter.
                  
- ADDRESS
 Thetnsnames.oraparameterADDRESSspecifies protocol addresses with theADDRESS_LISTfor multiple addresses or with theDESCRIPTIONparameter for one listener.
- HTTPS_PROXY
 Learn to use thetnsnames.oraparameterHTTPS_PROXYto specify HTTP proxy host names to tunnel Transport Layer Security (TLS) client connections.
- HTTPS_PROXY_PORT
 Learn how to use thetnsnames.oraparameterHTTPS_PROXY_PORTto specify forward HTTP proxy host ports for tunneling Transport Layer Security (TLS) client connections.
- ADDRESS_LIST
 TheADDRESS_LISTnetworking parameter specifies the number of protocol addresses.
Parent topic: Local Naming Parameters in the tnsnames.ora File
6.7.1 ADDRESS
The tnsnames.ora parameter ADDRESS specifies protocol addresses with the ADDRESS_LIST for multiple addresses or with the DESCRIPTION parameter for one listener.
                     
Purpose
To specify one listener protocol address.
Usage Notes
Put this parameter under either the ADDRESS_LIST parameter or the DESCRIPTION parameter. 
                        
ADDRESS Parameter Example
net_service_name=
(DESCRIPTION= 
 (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales-svr)(PORT=1521))
 (CONNECT_DATA=(SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com))Parent topic: Protocol Addresses
6.7.2 HTTPS_PROXY
Learn to use the tnsnames.ora parameter HTTPS_PROXY to specify HTTP proxy host names to tunnel Transport Layer Security (TLS) client connections.
                     
Purpose
To specify HTTP proxy host names for tunneling your TLS client connections.
Usage Notes
Your clients can tunnel secure connections over HTTP proxy using the HTTP CONNECT method. This helps access the public cloud database service because it eliminates the need to open an outbound port on a client-side firewall. This parameter is applicable only to the connect descriptors where PROTOCOL=TCPS. This is similar to the web browser setting for intranet users who want to connect to internet hosts. You can increase the forward web proxy read timeout for requests to a higher value depending on client queries. Otherwise, the forward web proxy closes the connection assuming that no requests are made from the client.
                        
A successful connection depends on your specific proxy configurations. The performance of your data transfers depend on the proxy capacity. Oracle recommends against using this feature in production environments where performance is critical.
Configuring tnsnames.ora for an HTTP proxy may not be secure enough, depending your organization’s network configuration and security policies. For example, some networks require a user name and password for the HTTP proxy. 
                        
Oracle Client versions earlier than 18c does not support connections through HTTP proxy.
Contact your network administrator to open outbound connections to hosts that are in the oraclecloud.com domain by using the relevant port, without going through an HTTP proxy. For example, port 1522.
                        
Default
None
Values
An HTTP proxy host name that can make an outbound connection to internet hosts.
Example
HTTPS_PROXY=www-proxy.example.com
Parent topic: Protocol Addresses
6.7.3 HTTPS_PROXY_PORT
Learn how to use the tnsnames.ora parameter HTTPS_PROXY_PORT to specify forward HTTP proxy host ports for tunneling Transport Layer Security (TLS) client connections.
                     
Purpose
To specify forward HTTP proxy host port for tunneling TLS client connections.
Usage Notes
It forwards the HTTP proxy host port that receives the HTTP CONNECT method. Use this parameter with HTTPS_PROXY_PORT. The value for the HTTPS_PROXY_PORT parameter  takes effect only when you set SQLNET.USE_HTTPS_PROXY=1 set in your sqlnet.ora file.
                        
Default
none
Values
port number
Example
HTTPS_PROXY_PORT=80
Parent topic: Protocol Addresses
6.7.4 ADDRESS_LIST
The ADDRESS_LIST networking parameter specifies the number of protocol addresses.
                     
Purpose
To define a list of protocol addresses.
Usage Notes
If there is only one listener protocol address, then ADDRESS_LIST is not necessary. 
                        
Put this parameter either under the DESCRIPTION parameter or the DESCRIPTION_LIST parameter.
                        
Example
net_service_name=
 (DESCRIPTION= 
  (ADDRESS_LIST=
   (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales1-svr)(PORT=1521))
   (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales2-svr)(PORT=1521)))
  (CONNECT_DATA=(SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)))Parent topic: Protocol Addresses
6.8 Optional Parameters for Description
Use these parameters to configure connect descriptor containers under the DESCRIPTION parameter.
                  
- ENABLE
 Use theENABLEparameter to enable the keepalive feature on the supported TCP transports.
- EXPIRE_TIME
 Use theEXPIRE_TIMEparameter to specify how often, in minutes, to verify that the remote server connection is alive.
- FAILOVER
 Use theFAILOVERparameter to enable or disable connect-time failover for multiple protocol addresses.
- LOAD_BALANCE
 Use theLOAD_BALANCEparameter to enable or disable client load balancing for multiple protocol addresses.
- RECV_BUF_SIZE
 Use theRECV_BUF_SIZEparameter to specify buffer space for session receive operations.
- SDU
 Use theSDUparameter to configure the session data unit (SDU) size.
- SEND_BUF_SIZE
 Use theSEND_BUF_SIZEparameter to specify buffer space for session send operations.
- SOURCE_ROUTE
 Use theSOURCE_ROUTEparameter to enable routing through multiple protocol addresses.
- TYPE_OF_SERVICE
 Use theTYPE_OF_SERVICEparameter to specify the type of service to use for an Oracle Rdb database.
Parent topic: Local Naming Parameters in the tnsnames.ora File
6.8.1 ENABLE
Use the ENABLE parameter to enable the keepalive feature on the supported TCP transports.
                     
Purpose
To allow the caller to detect a terminated remote server; typically it takes 2 hours or more to notice.
Usage Notes
The keepalive feature on the supported TCP transports can be enabled for a net service client by putting (ENABLE=broken) under the DESCRIPTION parameter in the connect string.  On the client side, the default for tcp_keepalive is off. Operating system TCP configurables, which vary by platform, define the actual keepalive timing details.
                     
Values
broken
Example
net_service_name=
 (DESCRIPTION= 
  (ENABLE=broken)
  (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales1-svr)(PORT=1521))
  (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales2-svr)(PORT=1521)))
  (CONNECT_DATA=(SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com))
Although the preceding example has multiple addresses, the ADDRESS_LIST parameter was not used. This is because the ADDRESS_LIST parameter is not mandatory.
                     
Parent topic: Optional Parameters for Description
6.8.2 EXPIRE_TIME
Use the EXPIRE_TIME parameter to specify how often, in minutes, to verify that the remote server connection is alive.
                     
Purpose
To specify time intervals, in minutes, for how often to verify that the remote server connection is alive.
Usage Notes
Oracle Net Services tunes the TCP keepalive parameters so that probes are sent after an idle activity.
Limitations on using the terminated connection detection feature are:
- You cannot use it on bequeathed connections.
- Though very small, a probe packet generates additional traffic that may degrade your network performance.
- Depending on your operating system, the server may need to perform additional processing to distinguish the connection probing event from other events. This can also result in a degraded network performance.
Default
0
Minimum Value
0
Recommended Value
10
Example
net_service_name=
   (DESCRIPTION=
     (EXPIRE_TIME=10)
     (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales1-svr)(PORT=1521)))
     (CONNECT_DATA=(SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com))Parent topic: Optional Parameters for Description
6.8.3 FAILOVER
Use the FAILOVER parameter to enable or disable connect-time failover for multiple protocol addresses.
                     
Purpose
To enable or disable connect-time failover for multiple protocol addresses.
Usage Notes
When you set the parameter to on, yes, or true, Oracle Net fails over at connect time to a different address if the first protocol address fails. When you set the parameter to off, no, or false, Oracle Net tries one protocol address.
                     
Put this parameter under the DESCRIPTION_LIST parameter, the DESCRIPTION parameter, or the ADDRESS_LIST parameter.
                     
Note:
Do not set the GLOBAL_DBNAME parameter in the SID_LIST_listener_name section of the listener.ora. A statically configured global database name disables connect-time failover.
                        
Default
on for the DESCRIPTION_LIST, DESCRIPTION, and ADDRESS_LIST parameters
                     
Values
- 
                           yes|on|true
- 
                           no|off|false
Example
net_service_name=
 (DESCRIPTION= 
  (FAILOVER=on)
  (ADDRESS_LIST=
    (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales1-svr)(PORT=1521))
    (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales2-svr)(PORT=1521)))
  (CONNECT_DATA=(SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)))Parent topic: Optional Parameters for Description
6.8.4 LOAD_BALANCE
Use the LOAD_BALANCE parameter to enable or disable client load balancing for multiple protocol addresses.
                     
Purpose
To enable or disable client load balancing for multiple protocol addresses.
Usage Notes
When you set the parameter to on, yes, or true, Oracle Net goes through the list of addresses in a random sequence, balancing the load on the various listener or Oracle Connection Manager protocol addresses. When you set the parameter to off, no, or false, Oracle Net tries the protocol addresses sequentially until one succeeds.
                     
Put this parameter under the DESCRIPTION_LIST parameter, the DESCRIPTION parameter, or the ADDRESS_LIST parameter.
                     
Default
on for DESCRIPTION_LIST
Values
- 
                           yes|on|true
- 
                           no|off|false
Example
net_service_name=
 (DESCRIPTION= 
  (LOAD_BALANCE=on)
  (ADDRESS_LIST=
    (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales1-svr)(PORT=1521))
    (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales2-svr)(PORT=1521)))
  (CONNECT_DATA=(SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com))Parent topic: Optional Parameters for Description
6.8.5 RECV_BUF_SIZE
Use the RECV_BUF_SIZE parameter to specify buffer space for session receive operations.
                     
Purpose
To specify, in bytes, the buffer space for receive operations of sessions.
Usage Notes
This parameter is supported by the TCP/IP, TCP/IP with TLS, and SDP protocols.
Put this parameter under the DESCRIPTION parameter or at the end of the protocol address.
                     
Setting this parameter in the connect descriptor for a client overrides the RECV_BUF_SIZE parameter at the client-side sqlnet.ora file.
                     
Note:
Additional protocols might support this parameter on certain operating systems. Refer to the operating system-specific documentation for additional information about additional protocols.
Default
The default value for this parameter is specific to the operating system. The default for the Linux 2.6 operating system is 87380 bytes.
Example
net_service_name= (DESCRIPTION= (ADDRESS_LIST= (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales1-server)(PORT=1521) (RECV_BUF_SIZE=11784)) (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales2-server)(PORT=1521) (RECV_BUF_SIZE=11784)) (CONNECT_DATA= (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)))net_service_name= (DESCRIPTION= (RECV_BUF_SIZE=11784) (ADDRESS_LIST= (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=hr1-server)(PORT=1521)) (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=hr2-server)(PORT=1521))) (CONNECT_DATA= (SERVICE_NAME=hr.us.example.com)))
Related Topics
Parent topic: Optional Parameters for Description
6.8.6 SDU
Use the SDU parameter to configure the session data unit (SDU) size.
                     
Purpose
To instruct Oracle Net to optimize the transfer rate of data packets being sent across the network with a specified SDU size.
Usage Notes
Put this parameter under the DESCRIPTION parameter.
                     
Setting this parameter in the connect descriptor for a client overrides the DEFAULT_SDU_SIZE parameter at client-side sqlnet.ora file.
                     
Default
8192 bytes (8 KB)
                     
Values
512 to 2097152 bytes
                     
Example
net_service_name= 
 (DESCRIPTION=
  (SDU=8192)
   (ADDRESS_LIST=
     (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales1-server)(PORT=1521))
     (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales2-server)(PORT=1521)))
  (CONNECT_DATA=
    (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com))Related Topics
Parent topic: Optional Parameters for Description
6.8.7 SEND_BUF_SIZE
Use the SEND_BUF_SIZE parameter to specify buffer space for session send operations.
                     
Purpose
To specify, in bytes, the buffer space for send operations of sessions.
Usage Notes
This parameter is supported by the TCP/IP, TCP/IP with TLS, and SDP protocols.
Put this parameter under the DESCRIPTION parameter or at the end of the protocol address.
                     
Setting this parameter in the connect descriptor for a client overrides the SEND_BUF_SIZE  parameter at the client-side sqlnet.ora file.
                     
Note:
Additional protocols might support this parameter on certain operating systems. Refer to the operating system-specific documentation for information about additional protocols.
Default
The default value for this parameter is operating system specific. The default for the Linux 2.6 operating system is 16 KB.
Example
net_service_name= (DESCRIPTION= (ADDRESS_LIST= (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales1-server)(PORT=1521) (SEND_BUF_SIZE=11784)) (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales2-server)(PORT=1521) (SEND_BUF_SIZE=11784))) (CONNECT_DATA= (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)))net_service_name= (DESCRIPTION= (SEND_BUF_SIZE=11784) (ADDRESS_LIST= (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=hr1-server)(PORT=1521) (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=hr2-server)(PORT=1521))) (CONNECT_DATA= (SERVICE_NAME=hr.us.example.com)))
Related Topics
Parent topic: Optional Parameters for Description
6.8.8 SOURCE_ROUTE
Use the SOURCE_ROUTE parameter to enable routing through multiple protocol addresses.
                     
Purpose
To enable routing through multiple protocol addresses.
Usage Notes
When you set this parameter to on or yes, Oracle Net uses each address in order until the destination is reached.
                     
To use Oracle Connection Manager, an initial connection from the client to Oracle Connection Manager is required, and a second connection from Oracle Connection Manager to the listener is required.
Put this parameter under either the DESCRIPTION_LIST parameter, the DESCRIPTION parameter, or the ADDRESS_LIST parameter.
                     
Default
off
Values
- 
                           yes|on
- 
                           no|off
Example
net_service_name=
 (DESCRIPTION= 
  (SOURCE_ROUTE=on)
  (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=cman-pc)(PORT=1630))
  (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales1-svr)(PORT=1521))
  (CONNECT_DATA=(SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com))Related Topics
Parent topic: Optional Parameters for Description
6.8.9 TYPE_OF_SERVICE
Use the TYPE_OF_SERVICE parameter to specify the type of service to use for an Oracle Rdb database. 
                     
Purpose
To specify the type of service to use for an Oracle Rdb database.
Usage Notes
This parameter should only be used if the application supports both an Oracle Rdb and Oracle database service, and you want the application to load balance between the two.
Put this parameter under the DESCRIPTION parameter.
                     
Example
net_service_name=
 (DESCRIPTION_LIST=
  (DESCRIPTION=
   (ADDRESS=...)
   (CONNECT_DATA= 
    (SERVICE_NAME=generic)
    (RDB_DATABASE=[.mf]mf_personal.rdb)
    (GLOBAL_NAME=alpha5))
   (TYPE_OF_SERVICE=rdb_database))
  (DESCRIPTION=
   (ADDRESS=...)
   (CONNECT_DATA=
    (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com))
   (TYPE_OF_SERVICE=oracle11_database)))Related Topics
Parent topic: Optional Parameters for Description
6.9 Connection Data Section
Learn how to configure network connections with protocol addresses.
A network object is identified by a protocol address. When a connection is made, the client and the receiver of the request (listener or Oracle Connection Manager) are configured with identical protocol addresses. The client uses this address to send the connection request to a particular network object location, and the recipient "listens" for requests on this address, and grants a connection based on its address information matching the client information.
- COLOCATION_TAG
- CONNECT_DATA
 Use theCONNECT_DATAparameter to define the connection service.
- CONNECTION_ID_PREFIX
 Use this parameter to add application specific ID to connection identifier.
- FAILOVER_MODE
- GLOBAL_NAME
- HS
- INSTANCE_NAME
- KERBEROS5_PRINCIPAL
 Use theKERBEROS5_PRINCIPALparameter to set the Kerberos principal name associated with the Kerberos credentials cache (CC) file.
- POOL_CONNECTION_CLASS
 Use this parameter to explicitly name the connection class for Database Resident Connection Pooling (DRCP) connections.
- POOL_PURITY
 Use this parameter to specify if an application needs a new session that is not tainted with any prior session state or to reuse a previous session.
- RDB_DATABASE
- SHARDING_KEY
 Use theSHARDING_KEYparameter to route the database connection request to an appropriate shard.
- SUPER_SHARDING_KEY
 Use theSUPER_SHARDING_KEYparameter in the case of composite sharding to route the database request to a collection of shards (shardspace).
- SERVER
- SERVICE_NAME
- TUNNEL_SERVICE_NAME
 Set this parameter to identify the client CMAN.
Parent topic: Local Naming Parameters in the tnsnames.ora File
6.9.1 COLOCATION_TAG
Purpose
To direct the listener to route all connections with the same colocation_tag to the same database instance.
                        
Usage Notes
Use this parameter with the CONNECT_DATA parameter. 
                        
The parameter value must be an alphanumeric string.
Example
net_service_name=
 (DESCRIPTION=
   (ADDRESS_LIST=
    (ADDRESS=...)
    (ADDRESS=...))
 (CONNECT_DATA=
    (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)
    (COLOCATION_TAG=abc)))Note:
Under certain conditions, such as, when maximum load of an instance is reached or when new instances are added or deleted for a service, the colocation of client connections that have the samecolocation_tag to the same database instance may not be consistent.
                        Parent topic: Connection Data Section
6.9.2 CONNECT_DATA
Use the CONNECT_DATA parameter to define the connection service. 
                     
Purpose
To define the service to which you want to connect, such as SERVICE_NAME. 
                     
Usage Notes
Put this parameter under the DESCRIPTION parameter. CONNECT_DATA permits additional parameters as listed in Connection Data Section.
                     
Example
net_service_name=
 (DESCRIPTION= 
  (ADDRESS_LIST=
    (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales1-svr)(PORT=1521))
    (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales2-svr)(PORT=1521)))
  (CONNECT_DATA=
    (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)))Parent topic: Connection Data Section
6.9.3 CONNECTION_ID_PREFIX
Use this parameter to add application specific ID to connection identifier.
Usage Notes
Put this parameter under the CONNECT_DATA parameter.
                        
Example
net_service_name=
(DESCRIPTION= 
   (ADDRESS_LIST=
     (ADDRESS=...)
     (ADDRESS=...))
   (CONNECT_DATA=
     (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)
     ((CONNECTION_ID_PREFIX=value)))
Note:
TheCONNECTION_ID_PREFIX value is appended internally to a system
                generated connection ID value and sent as CONNECTION_ID in connect
                string. The CONNECTION_ID_PREFIX must be an 8-byte alphanumeric
                identifier limited to the following [a...z] [A...Z] [0...9] _ character set.
                        Related Topics
Parent topic: Connection Data Section
6.9.4 FAILOVER_MODE
Purpose
To instruct Oracle Net to fail over to a different listener if the first listener fails during run time.
Usage Notes
Depending upon the configuration, the session or any SELECT statements which were in progress are automatically failed over. 
                     
This type of failover is called Transparent Application Failover (TAF) and should not be confused with the connect-time failover FAILOVER parameter.
Put this parameter under the CONNECT_DATA parameter.
                     
Additional Parameters
FAILOVER_MODE supports the following parameters:
                     
- 
                           BACKUP: Specifies the failover node by its net service name. A separate net service name must be created for the failover node.
- 
                           TYPE: Specifies the type of failover. Three types of Oracle Net failover functionality are available by default to Oracle Call Interface (OCI) applications:- 
                                 SESSION: Fails over the session. For example, if a user's connection is lost, then a new session is automatically created for the user on the backup. This type of failover does not attempt to recover selects.
- 
                                 SELECT: Allows users with open cursors to continue fetching them after failure. However, this mode involves overhead on the client side in normal select operations.
- 
                                 NONE: This is the default, in which no failover functionality is used. This can also be explicitly specified to prevent failover from happening.
 
- 
                                 
- 
                           METHOD: Specifies how fast failover is to occur from the primary node to the backup node:- 
                                 BASIC: Establishes connections at failover time. This option requires almost no work on the backup database server until failover time.
- 
                                 PRECONNECT: Pre-establishes connections. This provides faster failover but requires that the backup instance be able to support all connections from every supported instance.
 
- 
                                 
- 
                           TRANSACTION: Allows the database to complete the current database transaction following a recoverable error. This parameter is used with theCOMMIT_OUTCOME=TRUEparameter.
- 
                           RETRIES: Specifies the number of times to attempt to connect after a failover. IfDELAYis specified, thenRETRIESdefaults to five retry attempts.
- 
                           DELAY: Specifies the amount of time in seconds to wait between connect attempts. IfRETRIESis specified, thenDELAYdefaults to one second.
Note:
If a callback function is registered, thenRETRIES and DELAY parameters are ignored.
                     Related Topics
Parent topic: Connection Data Section
6.9.5 GLOBAL_NAME
Purpose
To identify the Oracle Rdb database.
Usage Notes
Put this parameter under the CONNECT_DATA parameter.
                     
Example
net_service_name= 
 (DESCRIPTION= 
   (ADDRESS_LIST=
    (ADDRESS=...)
    (ADDRESS=...))
   (CONNECT_DATA=
    (SERVICE_NAME=generic)
    (RDB_DATABASE=[.mf]mf_personal.rdb)
    (GLOBAL_NAME=alpha5)))Parent topic: Connection Data Section
6.9.6 HS
Purpose
To direct Oracle Net to connect to a non-Oracle system through Heterogeneous Services.
Usage Notes
Put this parameter under the CONNECT_DATA parameter.
                     
Default
None
Values
ok
Example
net_service_name= 
 (DESCRIPTION=
   (ADDRESS_LIST=
     (ADDRESS=...)
     (ADDRESS=...))
   (CONNECT_DATA=
    (SID=sales6)
    )
(HS=ok))Related Topics
Parent topic: Connection Data Section
6.9.7 INSTANCE_NAME
Purpose
To identify the database instance to access.
Usage Notes
Set the value to the value specified by the INSTANCE_NAME parameter in the initialization parameter file. 
                     
Put this parameter under the CONNECT_DATA parameter.
                     
Example
net_service_name= 
 (DESCRIPTION=
   (ADDRESS_LIST=
     (ADDRESS=...)
     (ADDRESS=...))
   (CONNECT_DATA=
     (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)
     (INSTANCE_NAME=sales1)))See Also:
Oracle Database Net Services Administrator's Guide for additional information about the use of INSTANCE_NAME
Parent topic: Connection Data Section
6.9.8 KERBEROS5_PRINCIPAL
Use the KERBEROS5_PRINCIPAL parameter to set the Kerberos principal name associated with the Kerberos credentials cache (CC) file.
                     
Purpose
When you configure Kerberos authentication for an Oracle Database client, you can specify multiple Kerberos principals with a single Oracle Database client.
This is an optional parameter. When specified, it is used to verify if the principal name in the credential cache (specified using SQLNET.KERBEROS5_CC_NAME) matches the parameter value.
                        
Usage Notes
Use this parameter with the CONNECT_DATA parameter in the tnsnames.ora file. Alternatively, you can specify KERBEROS5_CC_NAME in the connect string along with the optional KERBEROS5_PRINCIPAL parameter to connect as a different Kerberos principal. 
                        
Each Kerberos principal must have a valid credential cache. Oracle Database checks KERBEROS5_PRINCIPAL against the value that is retrieved from the credential cache. If the two values do not match, then the user is not authenticated. 
                        
Example
krbuser1, who is externally authenticated using the Kerberos principal krbprinc1.example.com and the credential cache for this principal is located at /tmp/krbuser1/krb.cc, the connect string is:
net_service_name=
(DESCRIPTION=
      (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales-svr)(PORT=1521))
      (CONNECT_DATA=(SERVICE_NAME=sales.example.com)) 
      (SECURITY=
          (KERBEROS5_CC_NAME=/tmp/krbuser1/krb.cc)
          (KERBEROS5_PRINCIPAL=krbprinc1@example.com)))
Note:
The connection fails if the principal in the/tmp/krbuser1/krb.cc file does not contain the krbprinc1@example.com value.
                        krbuser2, who is externally authenticated using the Kerberos principal krbprinc2.example.com and the credential cache for this principal is located at /tmp/krbuser2/krb.cc, the connect string is:
net_service_name=
(DESCRIPTION=
      (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales-svr)(PORT=1521))
      (CONNECT_DATA=(SERVICE_NAME=sales.example.com)) 
      (SECURITY=
          (KERBEROS5_CC_NAME=/tmp/krbuser2/krb.cc)
          (KERBEROS5_PRINCIPAL=krbprinc2@example.com)))
Related Topics
Parent topic: Connection Data Section
6.9.9 POOL_CONNECTION_CLASS
Use this parameter to explicitly name the connection class for Database Resident Connection Pooling (DRCP) connections.
Usage Notes
Add this parameter in the connect string under CONNECT_DATA section of the connect identifier. This parameter takes precedence and overrides the properties programmatically set by the application using this connect string.
                        
Example
ServerPool =
 (DESCRIPTION=
   (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp) (HOST=sales-svr) (PORT=1521))
   (CONNECT_DATA=(SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)(SERVER=POOLED)(POOL_CONNECTION_CLASS=value)))
Related Topics
Parent topic: Connection Data Section
6.9.10 POOL_PURITY
Use this parameter to specify if an application needs a new session that is not tainted with any prior session state or to reuse a previous session.
Usage Notes
Starting with Oracle Database 21c, you can configure Database Resident Connection Pooling (DRCP) for specific pluggable databases (PDBs). Add this parameter in the connect string under CONNECT_DATA section of the connect identifier to set purity attributes to a DRCP connection request.
                        
This parameter takes precedence and overrides the properties programmatically set by the application using this connect string.
Values
NEW/SELF
Example
ServerPool =
 (DESCRIPTION=
   (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp) (HOST=sales-svr) (PORT=1521))
   (CONNECT_DATA=(SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)(SERVER=POOLED)(POOL_PURITY=value)))
Related Topics
Parent topic: Connection Data Section
6.9.11 RDB_DATABASE
Purpose
To specify the file name of an Oracle Rdb database.
Usage Notes
Put this parameter under the CONNECT_DATA parameter.
                     
Example
net_service_name= 
 (DESCRIPTION= 
   (ADDRESS_LIST=
     (ADDRESS=...)
     (ADDRESS=...))
   (CONNECT_DATA=
     (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)
     (RDB_DATABASE= [.mf]mf_personal.rdb)))Parent topic: Connection Data Section
6.9.12 SHARDING_KEY
Use the SHARDING_KEY parameter to route the database connection request to an appropriate shard. 
                     
Purpose
To specify the value of a sharding key. Based on the value specified during a database connection request, the request is directly routed to the appropriate shard.
Usage Notes
You specify this parameter under the CONNECT_DATA section of a connect string or tnsnames.ora file.
                        
Use the SHARDING_KEY parameter to specify a sharding key in simplified text format. This parameter supports only ASCII character set and not special characters. The following data types are supported for a sharding key:
                        
- 
                              NUMBER
- 
                              INTEGER
- 
                              SMALLINT
- 
                              RAW
- 
                              NVARCHAR
- 
                              NVARCHAR2
- 
                              NCHAR
- 
                              DATE
- 
                              TIMESTAMP
Use the SHARDING_KEY_B64 parameter to specify the base64-encoded binary representation of a sharding key. This parameter supports these special characters: " quotation mark , comma ( ) close parenthesis + plus sign)
                        
Values
The fields for base64-encoded values (*_B64) start with a header, which is a sequence of space-separated integer values: 
                        
(CONNECT_DATA=
  (SHARDING_KEY_B64=
    [version][type][key column 1 type identifier][key column 2 type identifier] ... ,[base64 string],[base64 string],[base64 string],...))... - 
                                 Parts of the compound key are separated with a comma. 
- 
                                 versionspecifies the version number of base64 representation. Currently, only version 1 is supported, and thus the supported version value is1.
- 
                                 typespecifies the character set string and its encoding information. The supportedtypevalues are:Value Character Set String Encoding Scheme 0String contains hash value. Character values are encoded in AL32UTF8(forVARCHAR) andAL16UTF16(forNVARCHAR).1String does not contain hash value. 2String does not contain hash value. Character values are encoded in database encoding, which may be specific for each column. 3String contains hash value. 4String contains only hash value. 
- 
                                 key column type identifier specifies the data types. The supported key column type identifier values are: Value Data Type 1VARCHAR,NVARCHAR,CHAR,NCHAR2NUMBER6NUMBERwith length in first byte12DATE23RAW180TIMESTAMP
- 
                                 The header is terminated by a comma and is followed by base64 string. base64 string is a comma-separated list of the base64-encoded value string. The hash value, if available, is the last value in the list. 
Example 6-8
SHARDING_KEY parameter value is specified in simplified text format: net_service_name=
 (DESCRIPTION= 
  (ADDRESS_LIST=
    (ADDRESS=(host=sales-east1)(port=1522))
    (ADDRESS=(host=sales-east2)(port=1522))
  )
  (CONNECT_DATA=
    (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)
    (SHARDING_KEY=40598230)
  )
 )Example 6-9
SHARDING_KEY_B64 parameter value is encoded to base64 binary representation: net_service_name=
 (DESCRIPTION=
  (ADDRESS_LIST=
    (ADDRESS=(host=sales-east1)(port=1522))
    (ADDRESS=(host=sales-east2)(port=1522))
  )
  (CONNECT_DATA=
    (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)
    (SHARDING_KEY_B64=1 1 2,VVM=,OTQwMDI=)
  )
 )Parent topic: Connection Data Section
6.9.13 SUPER_SHARDING_KEY
Use the SUPER_SHARDING_KEY parameter in the case of composite sharding to route the database request to a collection of shards (shardspace). 
                     
Purpose
To specify a shardspace key for a collection of shards. A shardspace is set of shards that store data that corresponds to a range or list of key values. Based on the value specified during a database connection request, the request is directly routed to an appropriate shardspace.
Usage Notes
You specify this parameter under the CONNECT_DATA section of a connect string or tnsnames.ora file.
                        
Use the SUPER_SHARDING_KEY parameter to specify a shardspace key for a collection of shards in simplified text format. This parameter supports only ASCII character set and not special characters. The supported data types for a super sharding key are the same as those for a sharding key.
                        
Use the SUPER_SHARDING_KEY_B64 parameter to specify the base64-encoded binary representation of a shardspace key. This parameter supports special characters (such as " quotation mark , comma ( ) close parenthesis + plus sign).
                        
Values
*_B64) start with a header, which is a sequence of space-separated integer values: (CONNECT_DATA=(SUPER_SHARDING_KEY_B64=[version] [type] [integer literal] [integer literal] ... ,[base64 binary],[base64 binary],[base64 binary],...))... Example 6-10
SHARDING_KEY and SUPER_SHARDING_KEY parameter values are specified in simplified text format: net_service_name=
 (DESCRIPTION= 
  (ADDRESS_LIST=
    (ADDRESS=(host=sales-east1)(port=1522))
    (ADDRESS=(host=sales-east2)(port=1522))
  )
  (CONNECT_DATA=
    (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)
    ((SHARDING_KEY=40598230)(SUPER_SHARDING_KEY=gold))
  )
 )Example 6-11
SHARDING_KEY_B64 and SUPER_SHARDING_KEY_B64 parameter values are encoded to base64 binary representation: net_service_name=
 (DESCRIPTION= 
  (ADDRESS_LIST=
    (ADDRESS=(host=sales-east1)(port=1522))
    (ADDRESS=(host=sales-east2)(port=1522))
  )
  (CONNECT_DATA=
    (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)
    ((SHARDING_KEY_B64=1 1 2,VVM=,OTQwMDI=)(SUPER_SHARDING_KEY_B64=1 1,BBWEPGRBBDOEMGQW))
  )
 )Related Topics
Parent topic: Connection Data Section
6.9.14 SERVER
Purpose
To direct the listener to connect the client to a specific type of service handler.
Usage Notes
Put this parameter under the CONNECT_DATA parameter.
                     
Values
- 
                           dedicatedto specify whether client requests be served by dedicated server.
- 
                           sharedto specify whether client requests be served by a dispatcher or shared server.
- 
                           pooledto get a connection from the connection pool if database resident connection pooling is enabled on the server.
Note:
- 
                              Shared server must be configured in the database initialization file in order for the client to connect to the database with a shared server process. 
- 
                              The USE_DEDICATED_SERVER parameter in the sqlnet.orafile overrides this parameter.
Example
net_service_name= 
 (DESCRIPTION=
   (ADDRESS_LIST=
     (ADDRESS=...)
     (ADDRESS=...))
   (CONNECT_DATA=
    (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)
    (SERVER=dedicated)))Parent topic: Connection Data Section
6.9.15 SERVICE_NAME
Purpose
To identify the Oracle Database database service to access.
Usage Notes
Set the value to a value specified by the SERVICE_NAMES parameter in the initialization parameter file.
                     
Put this parameter under the CONNECT_DATA parameter.
                     
Example
net_service_name= 
 (DESCRIPTION=
   (ADDRESS_LIST=
     (ADDRESS=...)
     (ADDRESS=...))
   (CONNECT_DATA=
     (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)))Related Topics
Parent topic: Connection Data Section
6.9.16 TUNNEL_SERVICE_NAME
Set this parameter to identify the client CMAN.
Purpose
The server CMAN listener will route the connection to a gateway that has a tunnel connection to the requested client ID.
Usage Notes
Put this parameter under the  CONNECT_DATA parameter.
                        
Example
net_service_name=
(DESCRIPTION=
   (ADDRESS_LIST=
     (ADDRESS=...)
     (ADDRESS=...))
   (CONNECT_DATA=
     (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)
     (TUNNEL_SERVICE_NAME=south)))
Related Topics
Parent topic: Connection Data Section
6.10 Security Section
The security section of the tnsnames.ora file specifies these security-related parameters for use with Oracle security features.
                  
- AUTHENTICATION_SERVICE
 Use thetnsnames.oraparameterAUTHENTICATION_SERVICEto enable an authentication service.
- IGNORE_ANO_ENCRYPTION_FOR_TCPS
 TheIGNORE_ANO_ENCRYPTION_FOR_TCPSparameter specifies if theSQLNET.ENCRYPTION_CLIENTparameter should be ignored for this specific TNS alias.
- KERBEROS5_CC_NAME
 Use thetnsnames.oraparameterKERBEROS5_CC_NAMEto specify the complete path name to the Kerberos credentials cache (CC) file.
- SECURITY
 Use theSECURITYparameter to change the security properties of a connection.
- SSL_SERVER_CERT_DN
 Use theSSL_SERVER_CERT_DNparameter to specify the distinguished name (DN) of the database server.
- SSL_SERVER_DN_MATCH
 Use theSSL_SERVER_DN_MATCHparameter to enforce server-side certificate validation through distinguished name (DN) matching.
- SSL_VERSION
 Use theSSL_VERSIONparameter to define valid Transport Layer Security (TLS) versions to be used for connections.
- WALLET_LOCATION
 Use theWALLET_LOCATIONparameter in thetnsnames.orafile to specify different locations where Oracle wallets are stored.
Parent topic: Local Naming Parameters in the tnsnames.ora File
6.10.1 AUTHENTICATION_SERVICE
Use the tnsnames.ora parameter AUTHENTICATION_SERVICE to enable an authentication service.
                     
Purpose
To enable an authentication service. If you have installed authentication, then Oracle recommends that you set AUTHENTICATION_SERVICE to either NONE or to one of the listed authentication methods.
                        
Usage Notes
- 
                              Use this parameter in the SECURITYsection of thetnsnames.orafile or directly as part of the connect string.You can also set this value in the sqlnet.orafile. TheAUTHENTICATION_SERVICEparameter is equivalent to thesqlnet.oraparameterSQLNET.AUTHENTICATION_SERVICES. The parameter value specified in the connect string takes precedence.Note that the AUTHENTICATION_SERVICEparameter can take only a single authentication service, unlike theSQLNET.AUTHENTICATION_SERVICESparameter that can take multiple values.
- 
                              When using the AUTHENTICATION_SERVICE=ALL, the server attempts to authenticate using each of the following methods:- 
                                    Authentication based on a service external to the database, such as a service on the network layer, Kerberos, or RADIUS. 
- 
                                    Authentication based on the operating system user's membership in an administrative operating system group. Group names are platform-specific. This authentication applies to administrative connections only. 
- 
                                    Authentication performed by the database. 
- 
                                    Authentication based on credentials stored in a directory server. 
 The server falls back to the authentication methods that appear further down on the list if attempts to use the authentication methods appearing higher on the list were unsuccessful. 
- 
                                    
- 
                              When using local database password authentication (no external authentication), set AUTHENTICATION_SERVICE=NONEfor better client performance.
- 
                              Operating system authentication enables access to the database using any user name and any password when an administrative connection is attempted to the CDB root, such as using the AS SYSDBAclause when connecting using SQL*Plus.An example of a connection to the CDB root is as follows. sqlplus ignored_username/ignored_password AS SYSDBA When the operating-system user who issued the preceding command is already a member of the appropriate administrative operating system group, then the connection is successful. This is because Oracle checks the group membership first, and thus the user name and password are ignored by the server. 
Default
ALL
Note:
When installing Oracle Database with Database Configuration Assistant (DBCA), you can set this parameter to NTS in the sqlnet.ora file.
                           
Values
Authentication methods that are available with Oracle Net Services:
- 
                              NONEfor no authentication methods, including Microsoft Windows native operating system authentication. When you setAUTHENTICATION_SERVICEtoNONE, then the user can use a valid user name and password to access the database.
- 
                              ALLfor all authentication methods.
- 
                              BEQfor native operating system authentication for operating systems other than Microsoft Windows.
- 
                              KERBEROS5for Kerberos authentication.
- 
                              RADIUSfor Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) authentication.
- 
                              TCPSfor TLS authentication.
- 
                              NTSfor Microsoft Windows native operating system authentication. In this case, the user must authenticate to the database (CDB root) with OS credentials using Windows native authentication. No external password is needed. NTS checks the group membership for an OS user. For example, if an OS user is a member of theORA_DBAgroup, then the user can log in to the database asSYSDBA.Note: With the AUTHENTICATION_SERVICE=NTSsetting, if you try to connect through SQL*Plus using NTS authentication and specify an external password (for example,SQL*Plus SYSTEM/password), then the connection fails with anORA-12638: credential retrieval failederror. For regular user name and password based authentication, set the value toNONE.
Example
net_service_name=
    (DESCRIPTION=
        (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcps)(HOST=sales-svr)(PORT=1521))
        (SECURITY=(AUTHENTICATION_SERVICE=KERBEROS5))
        (CONNECT_DATA=(SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com))
    )Related Topics
Parent topic: Security Section
6.10.2 IGNORE_ANO_ENCRYPTION_FOR_TCPS
The IGNORE_ANO_ENCRYPTION_FOR_TCPS parameter specifies if the SQLNET.ENCRYPTION_CLIENT parameter should be ignored for this specific TNS alias.
                     
Purpose
To specify if the SQLNET.ENCRYPTION_CLIENT parameter should be ignored for this specific TNS alias.
                        
Usage Notes
If your requirements are that SQLNET.ENCRYPTION_SERVER be set to required, then you can set the IGNORE_ANO_ENCRYPTION_FOR_TCPS parameter in both SQLNET.ENCRYPTION_CLIENT and SQLNET.ENCRYPTION_SERVER to TRUE. This forces the client to ignore the value that is set for the SQLNET.ENCRYPTION_CLIENT parameter for all outgoing TCPS connections.
                        
Default
FALSEExample 6-12 Example
test_ssl=
    (DESCRIPTION =
       (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcps)(HOST=)(PORT=1750))
       (CONNECT_DATA=(SID=^ORACLE_SID^))
       (SECURITY=(IGNORE_ANO_ENCRYPTION_FOR_TCPS=TRUE))
     ) Parent topic: Security Section
6.10.3 KERBEROS5_CC_NAME
Use the tnsnames.ora parameter KERBEROS5_CC_NAME to specify the complete path name to the Kerberos credentials cache (CC) file. 
                     
Purpose
To specify the complete path name to the Kerberos CC file.
Usage Notes
Use this parameter in the SECURITY section of the tnsnames.ora file or directly as part of the connect string. 
                        
You can also set this value in the sqlnet.ora file. The KERBEROS5_CC_NAME parameter is equivalent to the sqlnet.ora parameter SQLNET.KERBEROS5_CC_NAME. The parameter value specified in the connect string takes precedence.
                        
Values and Examples
KERBEROS5_CC_NAME: 
                           - 
                                 If the Oracle database is using a directory cache:- 
                                          KERBEROS5_CC_NAME=complete_path_to_cc_fileFor example: KERBEROS5_CC_NAME=/tmp/kcacheKERBEROS5_CC_NAME=D:\tmp\kcache
- 
                                          KERBEROS5_CC_NAME=FILE:complete_path_to_cc_ fileFor example: KERBEROS5_CC_NAME=FILE:/tmp/kcache
 
- 
                                          
- 
                                 If the Oracle database is using the native Windows cache:- 
                                          KERBEROS5_CC_NAME=OSMSFT://
- 
                                          KERBEROS5_CC_NAME=MSLSA:
 The OSMSFTandMSLSAoptions specify that the file is on Microsoft Windows and is running Microsoft Kerberos Key Distribution Center (KDC).
- 
                                          
Note:
If you want to authenticate multiple Kerberos principals, then you can specify additional Kerberos principals either through the connect string directly or in thetnsnames.ora file.
                        Default
- 
                                 On Linux and UNIX operating systems: /tmp/krb5cc_userid
- 
                                 On Microsoft Windows operating systems: c:\tmp\krbcache
Parent topic: Security Section
6.10.4 SECURITY
Use the SECURITY parameter to change the security properties of a connection. 
                     
Purpose
To change the security properties of a connection.
Usage Notes
Put this parameter under the DESCRIPTION parameter. SECURITY permits additional parameters as listed in Security Section.
                        
Example
net_service_name=
 (DESCRIPTION= 
  (ADDRESS_LIST=
    (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales1-svr)(PORT=1521))
    (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales2-svr)(PORT=1521)))
  (CONNECT_DATA=
    (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com))
    (SECURITY=
      (SSL_SERVER_CERT_DN="cn=sales,cn=OracleContext,dc=us,dc=acme,dc=com")))Parent topic: Security Section
6.10.5 SSL_SERVER_CERT_DN
Use the SSL_SERVER_CERT_DN parameter to specify the distinguished name (DN) of the database server. 
                     
Purpose
To specify the DN of the database server.
Usage Notes
 The server DN must be known by the client ahead of time. Otherwise, the client cannot specify the server's DN in SSL_SERVER_CERT_DN. The client uses this information to obtain the list of DNs it expects for each of the servers, enforcing the database server DN to match its service name. This parameter must be set to the server DN (for example, SSL_SERVER_CERT_DN="finance, cn=OracleContext,c=us,o=example") to use full DN matching. For partial DN matching, do not include this parameter. 
                     
Use this parameter with the sqlnet.ora parameter SSL_SERVER_DN_MATCH to enable full DN matching.
                     
Example
finance= 
 (DESCRIPTION=
   (ADDRESS_LIST=
     (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL = tcps) (HOST = finance)
     (PORT = 1575)))
   (CONNECT_DATA=
     (SERVICE_NAME=finance.us.example.com))
   (SECURITY=
     (SSL_SERVER_CERT_DN="cn=finance,cn=OracleContext,c=us,o=example")))Related Topics
Parent topic: Security Section
6.10.6 SSL_SERVER_DN_MATCH
Use the SSL_SERVER_DN_MATCH parameter to enforce server-side certificate validation through distinguished name (DN) matching.
                     
Purpose
To enforce server-side certification validation through DN matching.
Usage Notes
If you enforce the DN matching, then in addition to verifying the server's certificate chain, the client performs another check through DN matching.
You can configure either partial DN matching or full DN matching. Partial DN matching occurs if the server's DN contains its host name. Full DN matching occurs against the server's complete DN. Not enforcing the match enables the server to potentially fake its identity.
In addition to the sqlnet.ora file, configure the tnsnames.ora parameter SSL_SERVER_CERT_DN to enable full DN matching.
                        
Default
NO
Values
- 
                              YES|ON|TRUE|1:To enforce partial or full DN matching. If the DN matches the service name, then the connection succeeds. If the DN does not match the service name, then the connection fails. 
- 
                              NO|OFF|FALSE|0:To not enforce DN matching. If the DN does not match the service name, then the connection is successful, but an error is logged to the sqlnet.logfile.
Example
SSL_SERVER_DN_MATCH=YES
Related Topics
Parent topic: Security Section
6.10.7 SSL_VERSION
Use the SSL_VERSION parameter to define valid Transport Layer Security (TLS) versions to be used for connections.
                     
Purpose
To define the version of TLS that must run on the systems with which the database server communicates. By default, the database server and client negotiate the strongest security protocol. Oracle does not recommend modifying this parameter, unless your security requirements mandate the usage of certain protocol versions.
Usage Notes
- 
                              Clients, listeners, and database servers must use compatible versions. Modify this parameter only when necessary to enforce the use of the more secure TLS protocol and not allow clients that only work with the older TLS protocols. If you need to specify TLS 1.0 or TLS 1.1, then also include TLS 1.2 to allow more secure connections. The current default uses TLS 1.2, which is the version required for multiple security compliance requirements. 
- 
                              Starting with Oracle Database 21c, Transport Layer Security protocol version 1.0 (TLS 1.0) and 1.1 (TLS 1.1) are deprecated. In accordance with security best practices, Oracle has deprecated the use of TLS 1.0 and TLS 1.1. To meet your security requirements, Oracle strongly recommends that you use TLS 1.2 instead. 
- 
                              If you set SSL_VERSIONtoundetermined, then the most secure TLS protocol version is used. You can use theSSL_VERSION=undeterminedsetting in the connect string for a specific connection to override theSSL_VERSIONvalue configured in thesqlnet.orafile.
- 
                              If you do not set SSL_VERSIONto any value, then all the supported TLS protocol versions are tried starting with the most secure version. This is typically the most common configuration, ensuring that the strongest protocol is chosen during TLS negotiation.
Default
undetermined
Values
undetermined | 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.2
The version numbers correspond to the TLS versions, such as TLSv1.0, TLSv1.1, and TLSv1.2.
Note:
Thesqlnet.ora parameter ADD_SSLV3_TO_DEFAULT has no impact on this parameter.
                        Syntax and Examples
- 
                              To specify a single TLS version:SSL_VERSION=TLS_protocol_versionFor example:SSL_VERSION=1.2
- To specify multiple TLS versions, use the oroperator as follows:SSL_VERSION=TLS_protocol_version1 or TLS_protocol_version2For example:SSL_VERSION=1.1 or 1.2SSL_VERSION=1.0 or 1.1 or 1.2
Related Topics
Parent topic: Security Section
6.10.8 WALLET_LOCATION
Use the WALLET_LOCATION parameter in the tnsnames.ora file to specify different locations where Oracle wallets are stored.
                     
Purpose
This parameter denotes a connection specific wallet. You can use this parameter when different connections need to use different wallets on the client side.
Usage Notes
You can use WALLET_LOCATION in both the sqlnet.ora file and tnsnames.ora file. Use of WALLET_LOCATION in tnsnames.ora overrides the WALLET_LOCATION in sqlnet.ora for the specific tnsnames.ora service.
                        
WALLET_LOCATION enables a client connection to have distinct TLS connections that use certificates. This means that the clients will initiate multiple TLS connections using different TLS certificates, in the same client process. 
                        
Use this parameter if you have a single client that must rely on more than one TLS session. An example would be for a client that requires access to multiple pluggable databases (PDBs), each with its own identity (certificate). This feature enables you to configure the client to connect to the correct identity for each PDB. After the configuration is complete, multi-threaded clients are able to access more than one wallet with different certificates in simultaneous TLS sessions.
Examples
net_service_name=
 (DESCRIPTION=
   (ADDRESS_LIST=
     (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales1-svr)(PORT=1521))
     (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales2-svr)(PORT=1521)))
   (CONNECT_DATA=
     (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com))
      (SECURITY=(wallet_location=/home/oracle/wallets/databases)))
ssl_certs1 = 
    (DESCRIPTION = 
       (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcps)(HOST=shobeen.us.example.com) (PORT=1750))
       (CONNECT_DATA=(SID=sales_pdb)) 
       (SECURITY=(WALLET_LOCATION=/oracle/wallets/certificates/sales_cert))
     )
ssl_certs2 = 
    (DESCRIPTION = 
       (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcps)(HOST=shobeen.us.example.com) (PORT=1750))
       (CONNECT_DATA=(SID=marketing_pdb)) 
       (SECURITY=(WALLET_LOCATION=/oracle/wallets/certificates/marketing_cert))
     )
Parent topic: Security Section
6.11 Timeout Parameters
The timeout section of the tnsnames.ora file provides the ability to specify timeout and retry configuration through the TNS connect string. 
                  
The following parameters can be set at the DESCRIPTION level of a connect string:
                  
- CONNECT_TIMEOUT
 Use thetnsnames.oraparameterCONNECT_TIMEOUTto specify the amount of time, in milliseconds, seconds, or minutes, in which clients must establish Oracle Net connections to database instances.
- RETRY_COUNT
 Use thetnsnames.oraparameterRETRY_COUNTto specify the number of times anADDRESSlist is traversed before terminating the connection attempt.
- RETRY_DELAY
 Use thetnsnames.oraparameterRETRY_DELAYto specify the delay between connection retries.
- TRANSPORT_CONNECT_TIMEOUT
 Use thetnsnames.oraparameterTRANSPORT_CONNECT_TIMEOUTto specify the transport connect timeout duration, in milliseconds, seconds, or minutes.
- RECV_TIMEOUT
 Use thetnsnames.oraparameterRECV_TIMEOUTto specify the duration of time that a database client or server should wait for data from a peer after establishing a connection.
Parent topic: Local Naming Parameters in the tnsnames.ora File
6.11.1 CONNECT_TIMEOUT
Use the tnsnames.ora parameter CONNECT_TIMEOUT to specify the amount of time, in milliseconds, seconds, or minutes, in which clients must establish Oracle Net connections to database instances.
                     
Purpose
To specify the timeout duration in ms or msec (milliseconds), sec (seconds), or min (minutes) for a client to establish an Oracle Net connection to Oracle Database. 
                     
Usage Notes
- 
                              Put this parameter under the DESCRIPTIONparameter.
- 
                              In case, no unit is mentioned, the default unit is sec.It accepts different timeouts with or without space between the value and the unit. For example: CONNECT_TIMEOUT=10 msor CONNECT_TIMEOUT=10ms
- 
                              The timeout interval specified by CONNECT_TIMEOUTis a superset of the TCP connect timeout interval. It includes the time to be connected to the database instance providing the requested service, not just the duration of the TCP connection.The timeout interval is applicable to each ADDRESSin anADDRESS_LIST, and each IP address to which a host name is mapped.
- 
                              The CONNECT_TIMEOUTparameter is equivalent to thesqlnet.oraparameterSQLNET.OUTBOUND_CONNECT_TIMEOUT, and overrides it.
Examples
net_service_name= (DESCRIPTION= (CONNECT_TIMEOUT=10 ms)(RETRY_COUNT=3) (ADDRESS_LIST= (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales1-svr)(PORT=1521)) (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales2-svr)(PORT=1521))) (CONNECT_DATA= (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)))
Related Topics
Parent topic: Timeout Parameters
6.11.2 RETRY_COUNT
Use the tnsnames.ora parameter RETRY_COUNT to specify the number of times an ADDRESS list is traversed before terminating the connection attempt. 
                     
Purpose
To specify the number of times an ADDRESS list is traversed before the connection attempt is terminated. 
                     
Usage Notes
Put this parameter under the DESCRIPTION parameter.
                     
When a DESCRIPTION_LIST is specified, each DESCRIPTION is traversed multiple times based on the specified number of retries.
                     
Example
net_service_name= (DESCRIPTION_LIST= (DESCRIPTION= (CONNECT_TIMEOUT=10)(RETRY_COUNT=3) (ADDRESS_LIST= (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales1a-svr)(PORT=1521)) (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales1b-svr)(PORT=1521))) (CONNECT_DATA=(SERVICE_NAME=sales1.example.com))) (DESCRIPTION= (CONNECT_TIMEOUT=60)(RETRY_COUNT=1) (ADDRESS_LIST= (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales2a-svr)(PORT=1521)) (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales2b-svr)(PORT=1521))) (CONNECT_DATA=(SERVICE_NAME=sales2.us.example.com))))
Parent topic: Timeout Parameters
6.11.3 RETRY_DELAY
Use the tnsnames.ora parameter RETRY_DELAY to specify the delay between connection retries.
                     
Purpose
To specify the delay between subsequent retries for a connection in units of ms or msec (milliseconds), sec (seconds), or min (minutes). This parameter works in conjunction with the RETRY_COUNT parameter. 
                        
Usage Notes
- 
                              Put this parameter under the DESCRIPTIONparameter.When a DESCRIPTION_LISTis specified, eachDESCRIPTIONis traversed multiple times based on the specified number of retries, and the specific delay for the description.
- 
                              In case, no unit is mentioned, the default unit is sec.You can configure it with or without space between the value and the unit. For example: RETRY_DELAY=800 msor RETRY_DELAY=800ms
Example
net_service_name=
(DESCRIPTION_LIST=
  (DESCRIPTION=
   (CONNECT_TIMEOUT=10)(RETRY_COUNT=3)(RETRY_DELAY=800ms)
   (ADDRESS_LIST=
    (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=myhost1)(PORT=1521))
    (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=myhost2)(PORT=1521)))
   (CONNECT_DATA=(SERVICE_NAME=example1.com)))
  (DESCRIPTION=
   (CONNECT_TIMEOUT=60)(RETRY_COUNT=1)(RETRY_DELAY=5sec)
   (ADDRESS_LIST=
    (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=myhost3)(PORT=1521))
    (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=myhost4)(PORT=1521)))
   (CONNECT_DATA=(SERVICE_NAME=example2.com))))
Related Topics
Parent topic: Timeout Parameters
6.11.4 TRANSPORT_CONNECT_TIMEOUT
Use the tnsnames.ora parameter TRANSPORT_CONNECT_TIMEOUT to specify the transport connect timeout duration, in milliseconds, seconds, or minutes.
                     
Purpose
To specify the transport connect timeout duration in ms or msec (milliseconds), sec (seconds), or min (minutes) for a client to establish an Oracle Net connection to Oracle Database. 
                     
Usage Notes
- 
                              This parameter is put under the DESCRIPTIONparameter.
- 
                              The default value is 60 sec. In case, no unit is mentioned, the default unit issec.It accepts different timeouts with or without space between the value and the unit. TRANSPORT_CONNECT_TIMEOUT=10 msor TRANSPORT_CONNECT_TIMEOUT=10ms
- 
                              The timeout interval is applicable for each ADDRESSin anADDRESS_LISTdescription, and each IP address that a host name is mapped. TheTRANSPORT_CONNECT_TIMEOUTparameter is equivalent to thesqlnet.oraparameterTCP.CONNECT_TIMEOUT, and overrides it.
Example
net_service_name =
  (DESCRIPTION=
    (TRANSPORT_CONNECT_TIMEOUT=10 ms)
    (ADDRESS_LIST=
      (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales1-svr)(PORT=1521))
      (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales2-svr)(PORT=1521)))
    (CONNECT_DATA=
      (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)))Related Topics
Parent topic: Timeout Parameters
6.11.5 RECV_TIMEOUT
Use the tnsnames.ora parameter RECV_TIMEOUT to specify the duration of time that a database client or server should wait for data from a peer after establishing a connection.
                     
Purpose
To specify the time duration in ms or msec (milliseconds), sec (seconds), min (minutes), or hr (hours) for a database client or server to wait for data from the peer after establishing a connection. The peer must send data within the time interval that you specify.
                        
Usage Notes
- 
                              This parameter is put under the DESCRIPTIONparameter.
- 
                              If you do not specify a unit of measurement, then the default unit is sec.It accepts time duration with or without space between the value and the unit. For example: RECV_TIMEOUT=10 msor RECV_TIMEOUT=10ms
- 
                              Setting this parameter for clients ensures that receive operations are not left in a wait state indefinitely or for a long period due to server host being down, server busy state, or network connectivity issues. If a client does not receive response data in the time specified, then the client logs ORA-12535: TNS:operation timed outandORA-12609: TNS: Receive timeout occurredmessages to thesqlnet.logfile.
Default Value
None
Minimum Value
1 ms
Allowed Range
Any number greater than the minimum value of 1 ms up to 4294967295 ms.
                        
Examples
net_service_name= (DESCRIPTION= (CONNECT_TIMEOUT=10ms)(RETRY_COUNT=3)(RECV_TIMEOUT=10ms) (ADDRESS_LIST= (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales1-svr)(PORT=1521)) (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales2-svr)(PORT=1521))) (CONNECT_DATA= (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)))
Related Topics
Parent topic: Timeout Parameters
6.12 Compression Parameters
The compression section of the tnsnames.ora file provides the ability to enable compression and specify compression levels. These parameters can be set at the DESCRIPTION level of a connect string.
               
- COMPRESSION
 Thetnsnames.orafile’s compression parameter enables or disables the data compression.
- COMPRESSION_LEVELS
 TheCOMPRESSION_LEVELSparameter of thetnsnames.orafile specifies the compression level.
Parent topic: Local Naming Parameters in the tnsnames.ora File
6.12.1 COMPRESSION
The tnsnames.ora file’s compression parameter enables or disables the data compression.
                     
Purpose
To enable or disable data compression.
Usage Notes
Put this parameter under the DESCRIPTION parameter.
                        
Setting this parameter in the connect descriptor for a client overrides the SQLNET.COMPRESSION parameter in the client-side sqlnet.ora file. 
                        
Default
off
Values
- 
                              onto enable data compression.
- 
                              offto disable data compression.
Example
net_service_name=
 (DESCRIPTION=
   (COMPRESSION=on)
      (ADDRESS_LIST=
         (ADDRESS= (PROTOCOL=tcp) (HOST=sales1-server) (PORT=1521))
         (ADDRESS= (PROTOCOL=tcp) (HOST=sales2-server) (PORT=1521)))
   (CONNECT_DATA=
       (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)))Related Topics
Parent topic: Compression Parameters
6.12.2 COMPRESSION_LEVELS
The COMPRESSION_LEVELS parameter of the tnsnames.ora file specifies the compression level.
                     
Purpose
To specify the compression level.
Usage Notes
The compression levels are used at the time of negotiation to verify which levels are used at both ends, and select one level. Put this parameter under the DESCRIPTION parameter.
                        
This parameter is used with the COMPRESSION parameter. Setting this parameter in the connect descriptor for a client overrides the SQLNET.COMPRESSION_LEVELS parameter in the client-side sqlnet.ora file.
                        
Default
low
Values
- 
                              lowfor low CPU usage and a low compression ratio.
- 
                              highfor high CPU usage and a high compression ratio.
Example
net_service_name=
 (DESCRIPTION=
  (COMPRESSION=on)
  (COMPRESSION_LEVELS=(LEVEL=low)(LEVEL=high))
   (ADDRESS_LIST=
     (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales1-server)(PORT=1521))
     (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales2-server)(PORT=1521)))
  (CONNECT_DATA=
    (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)))Related Topics
Parent topic: Compression Parameters