41.3. Network Issues

If your MySQL server and its clients all run on the same machine, the clients can connect to the server using local interfaces such as shared memory on Windows or a socket file on Unix. These interfaces require no traffic to cross an external network. In such a configuration, networking performance is a minimal concern.

However, many MySQL installations are more distributed, and the server and its clients do not necessarily run on the same machine. For example, the MySQL server might run on a machine that is dedicated to it, with clients all connecting to the server from other machines. In distributed environments, you should think about factors that affect the performance of your network:

• Network speed is important. With a faster network, the server can transfer information to clients faster. This lets the server process queries faster, reducing resource contention. Consider using gigabit ethernet if your situation allows.

• The speed of your networks, although important, is not the only significant factor. All other things being equal, the network is effectively faster for clients that are near to the server than for those far away. Information need not travel as far for closer clients, so the latency of response is not as great. If possible, keep the network path short. The introduction of routers, switches, and other devices along the way also can increase latency.