Changing parameter polling cycles

Collector and standard parameters use queries to obtain data from a monitored server or database. The poll time assigned to a collector or standard parameter sets the interval between executions of the query used by the parameter. The default poll times set for collector and standard parameters in PATROL for Microsoft SQL Server are calculated to collect sufficient data to appropriately monitor most systems.

If your system requires longer or shorter poll times, you can change poll times, but do so with the following cautions in mind:

  • Increasing poll times could cause you to receive notification of problems late.
  • Decreasing poll times increases the resources used by PATROL for Microsoft SQL Server, which could lead to performance problems.
  • Poll times must exceed the amount of time it takes to execute the query and allow time for the parameter to parse and distribute the data obtained before it must resend the query. To avoid problems, use Debug to find the Query Execution Time before decreasing a poll time.
Warning

Changing the poll time for a standard or collector parameter to an amount of time that is shorter than the amount of time it takes to complete the execution of the query used by that parameter can cause the parameter to go into an infinite loop, or other serious problems.

To find the query execution time

To find out how long it takes a collector or standard parameter to execute a query, turn Debug on for that parameter. When the parameter completes a polling cycle, look at the Debug output and find the Total Execution Time. Execution times can vary, so make sure that you find the longest possible execution time by running Debug on your busiest system during your busiest time.

 

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