Scaling SQL Server with Advanced Database Mirroring

Introduction

Database mirroring in SQL Server is a high-availability and disaster recovery solution that can also be used for scaling out read workloads. This guide explores advanced techniques for scaling SQL Server using database mirroring, including sample code and examples.

1. Types of Database Mirroring

Understand the two types of database mirroring: synchronous and asynchronous, and their use cases.

        -- Create a Database Mirroring Session
        ALTER DATABASE YourDatabase
        SET PARTNER = 'TCP://MirrorServer:5022';
    

2. Scaling Read-Only Workloads

Configure read-only workloads to offload read operations to the mirrored database for improved performance.

        -- Configure Read-Only Workloads
        ALTER DATABASE YourDatabase
        SET PARTNER SAFETY OFF;
    

3. Automatic Failover

Learn how to configure automatic failover for high availability in database mirroring.

        -- Configure Automatic Failover
        ALTER DATABASE YourDatabase
        SET PARTNER FAILOVER;
    

4. Handling Failover and Switchover

Understand the difference between failover and switchover, and how to perform these actions.

        -- Perform Database Failover
        ALTER DATABASE YourDatabase
        SET PARTNER FORCE_SERVICE_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS;
    

5. Advanced Use Cases

Advanced database mirroring scenarios may involve multi-mirroring, read-write splitting, and transparent client redirection.

        -- Advanced Database Mirroring
        // Include advanced database mirroring scenarios
        // ...
    

Conclusion

Advanced database mirroring in SQL Server not only provides high availability and disaster recovery but also offers a means of scaling out read workloads. By mastering techniques such as choosing mirroring types, scaling read-only workloads, automatic failover, handling failover and switchover, and advanced use cases, you can effectively scale and manage your SQL Server environment.