14.5 Configuring SDP Support for InfiniBand Connections

Oracle Net Services provides support for the Sockets Direct Protocol (SDP) for InfiniBand high-speed networks. These sections describe how to set up Oracle Net support of SDP for middle tier and database server communication.

SDP is a standard communication protocol for clustered server environments. SDP is an interface between a network interface card and the application. By using SDP, applications place most of the messaging burden upon the network interface card, freeing the CPU for other tasks. As a result, SDP decreases network latency and CPU utilization.

SDP is designed specifically for System Area Networks (SANs). A SAN is characterized by short-distance, high-performance communications between multiple server systems, such as Oracle WebLogic Server or any other third-party middle-tier client and database servers clustered on one switch.

Note:

Check with your individual vendor for their version compatibility with Oracle AI Database 26ai.

Visit the Oracle Technology Network for additional information about SDP support at:

http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/index.html

• Prerequisites for Using SDP
  
• Configuring SDP on the Server
  
• Configuring SDP on the Client
  Learn how to configure the Oracle WebLogic Server servers or third-party middle-tier client.

14.5.1 Prerequisites for Using SDP

Prior to configuring support for SDP, install the required hardware, and set up InfiniBand hardware and software compatible with OpenFabrics Enterprise Distribution (OFED) 1.4 or 1.5 from a designated vendor on both the application web server and database server.

During installation of the InfiniBand software, identify the constant that defines SDP or the address family for the system. This can be obtained from the operating system or OFED documentation.

See Also:

Vendor documentation for installation information

14.5.2 Configuring SDP on the Server

To configure the database server, configure an SDP address in the listener.ora file on the database server.

Note:

If the SDP or address protocol family constant is not 27, the default value for Oracle Net Services, then define the constant in the SDP.PF_INET_SDP parameter in the sqlnet.ora file.

The following example shows an SDP endpoint that uses port number 1521 on the computer sales-server.

LISTENER=
  (DESCRIPTION=
    (ADDRESS_LIST=
      (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=sdp)(HOST=sales-server)(PORT=1521))
      (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales-server)(PORT=1521))
      (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=ipc)(KEY=extproc))))

See Also:

"Creating a List of Listener Protocol Addresses"

14.5.3 Configuring SDP on the Client

Learn how to configure the Oracle WebLogic Server servers or third-party middle-tier client.

Note:

If the SDP or address protocol family constant is not 27, the default value for Oracle Net Services, then define the constant in the SDP.PF_INET_SDP parameter in the sqlnet.ora file.

1. If configuring third-party middle-tier client, then upgrade the clients to use Oracle AI Database 26ai client software, as follows:

   1. Run Oracle Universal Installer.

   2. Select Oracle AI Database 26ai Client from the Available Products page.

2. For both Oracle WebLogic Server servers and third-party middle-tier client, create a network service name to connect to the database server, as follows:

   • For Oracle WebLogic Server servers, specify a network service name that uses the same TCP/IP protocol address configured in the tnsnames.ora file. For example:

     sales=
      (DESCRIPTION=
        (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=sales-server)))
        (CONNECT_DATA=
          (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)))
     

   • For third-party middle-tier clients, specify a network service name that uses the same SDP address configured in the tnsnames.ora file.

     For example:

     sales=
      (DESCRIPTION=
        (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=sdp)(HOST=sales-server)))
        (CONNECT_DATA=
          (SERVICE_NAME=sales.us.example.com)))