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How to reduce Database Traffic on Your Network

1. Use a network packet sniffer to track down problem applications. The sniffer shows you how many times a database query creates connections, and how much data is being transferred.

2. Check your SQL. Look for queries that return more rows than the program needs or more columns than the application uses. Combine multiple queries into a single query, if possible. If a SQL statement selects one or two fields from a table and another SQL statement uses this information to get data from another table, for example, then merge the two into a single statement that returns data from both tables.

3. Make sure problem applications are using connection-sharing or pooling, if appropriate. Many applications, particularly real-time or data-acquisition apps, open a connection to the database, use it and then close it. Opt for connection sharing instead.

4. If all else fails and your network utilization is high, consider upgrading your network infrastructure. If you have an upcoming project, such as an ERP buildout that will use a lot of network bandwidth, you may want to complete an upgrade before implementing the new app. And if you don't budget annually for network upgrades, have your application project team budget for one to support its project.