How Buffer Pool Analyzer supports performance analyses

Buffer Pool Analyzer specializes in the analysis of buffer pool-related performance data. It belongs to a suite of DB2 tools and products that assist in the management of DB2 systems. It is also an integrated part of DB2 Performance Expert that specializes in the entire performance of DB2 systems.

At this time, it should be clear that buffer pool-related analysis, monitoring, and tuning are accompanying measures in the overall analysis, monitoring, and tuning processes of the operating system, the DB2 system, the SQL operations, and the applications. Buffer pool tuning is not an alternative to other tuning measures, although it might compensate some poorly tuned components.

The word analysis throughout this information means a detailed examination of buffer pool activities and buffer pool performance to discover the essential features of its operational behavior. The Buffer Pool Analyzer tools provide adequate information to you to perform the analysis, which enables you to assess the performance and to identify potential improvements. The outcome of an analysis is one or more activity reports at several levels of detail in text or graphical form.

Buffer Pool Analyzer supports the analysis by also providing two powerful analysis tools. The first is an optimization tool, called object placement and initial sizing, and generates recommendations for both the assignment of objects to buffer pools and for buffer pool sizes and parameters. The second is a simulation tool and permits the user to anticipate the effects of different settings before they are applied to a system. It recommends an ideal distribution of memory between buffer pools for the given setup.

The long-term analysis tool can use the repository of historical and current performance data and facilitates analyses and comparisons as preferred and needed by the user: a flexible selection of periods to analyze, an easy selection of performance indicators and buffer pool objects of interest, and a multitude of graphical representations and charts of the analysis results provides comprehensive insights into buffer pool performance.

IBM® DB2 11 for z/OS: An Introduction to DB2 for z/OS dedicates a chapter to performance management on a DB2 level, which also correlates the role of buffer pool performance with overall DB2 performance. DB2 11 Administration Guide provides more details about performance monitoring and tuning on a DB2 level.