14.1 Understanding the Benefits of Network Data Compression

Network data compression reduces the size of the session data unit (SDU) transmitted over a data connection. Reducing the size of data reduces the time required to transmit a SQL query and result across the network. In addition, compressed data uses less bandwidth which allows transmission of larger data in less time. The data compression process is transparent to the application layer.

The following are some of the benefits of using data compression:

• Increased network throughput means constrained bandwidth environments can utilize compression to reduce query response time.

• Reduced bandwidth utilization allows other applications to use the bandwidth.

• Reduction in the amount of data transferred between sites.