Smart Flash Cache:

• Oracle Exadata Smart Flash Cache stores frequently access data in Flash Storage which is very fast than other storage. This happens automatically and user don’t need to take any action to use this feature.
• Flash Cache is Smart – it avoids caching data which will not be reused or which is too big to fit in cache.
• The Exadata Storage Server Software also provides the Exadata Smart Flash Logging feature to speed database log I/O

About Exadata Hybrid Columnar Compression

• Oracle introduced basic compress feature from Oracle 9i version.
• Exadata Hybrid Columnar Compression can be specified at Table or Table Partition and Tablespace Level.
• Not Suitable for data which is frequently changing.
• Locking at CU level instead of row level so potentially many rows could be locked instead of single row
• Data needs to be loaded using direct path loads like Parallel DML, INSERT /*+ APPEND*/, direct path SQL Loader

To manger and monitor Exadata Storage we can use two utility.

• CELLCLI
• DCLI

CELLCLI: Each Exadata Storage Cell is administered individually by using cellcli. But this utility can connect a local cell server. cellcli works with MS process to perform the administration task like creation of cell or grid disk.

DCLI: DCLI utility enables execution of commands on multiple database and storage servers.

What is Storage Index in Exadata System?

Storage Index in Exadata is another important feature which helps to reduce useless I/Os for query execution.

A storage index is a memory-based structure that reduces the amount of physical I/O performed in an Exadata cell. The storage index keeps track of minimum and maximum column values of a chunk in GRID Disk and this information us used to avoid useless I/Os.

What is Smart Scan?

Smart Scan is one of the great feature in Oracle Exadata. With this technology storage send only required rows to database node from storage instead of entire Oracle Block. Multiple rows are stored in one Oracle Block but non-exadata system return entire block even only one rows is required. On the other hand, Exadata Storage returns only interested rows but not entire block.

In this topic will be discussed with Exadata Key Features

• Smart Scan or Cell Offloading
• Storage Indexes
• Hybrid Columnar Compression
• IO Resource Manager
• Smart Flash Cache
• Flash Logging

Create a Virtual Machine for Exadata CELL or Storage Server

In this topic will demonstrate how to configure Cell or Storage Server for Exadata. Very few companies are using Exadata Engineering system so this is very difficult for a DBA to get an environment to explore. So Exadata simulation will be a good option to learn.

• Download Required Software
• Hardware Requirements
• Create a Virtual Machine
• Install Oracle Linux
• Prerequisite for Exadata Storage Server
• Install the Exadata Storage Server Software
• Clone Storage Server for 2nd VM of Exadata Storage Server (exadatacell02)
• Create Cell disks and Flash Cache storage for Exadata Storage Server on Node 1
• Create Cell disks and Flash Cache storage for Exadata Storage Server on Node 2
• Install Oracle Grid and Database

Create a Virtual Machine for Exadata CELL or Storage Server

In this topic, I will demonstrate how to configure Cell or Storage Server for Exadata on VM. Very few companies are using Exadata Engineering system so this is very difficult for a DBA to get hands on Exadata. So Exadata simulation will be a good option to learn for starting carrier as a DMA (Database Machine Administrator).

Task List:

• Required Software Download
• Hardware Requirements
• Create a Virtual Machine
• Install Oracle Linux
• Prerequisite for Exadata Storage Server
• Install the Exadata Storage Server Software
• Clone Storage Server for 2nd VM of Exadata Storage Server
• Create Cell disks and Flash Cache storage for Exadata Storage Server on Node 1
• Create Cell disks and Flash Cache storage for Exadata Storage Server on Node 2
• Configure Compute Node or Database Node
• Install Oracle Grid and Database