8 Data Guard Command-Line Interface Reference

ADD DATABASE

Creates a new standby database profile and adds it to the existing broker configuration. The standby database type (physical or logical) is specified by the MAINTAINED AS clause.

Format

ADD DATABASE database-name AS

CONNECT IDENTIFIER IS connect-identifier

MAINTAINED AS {PHYSICAL | LOGICAL};

Command Parameters

database-name

The name that will be used by the broker to refer to this standby database. It must match (case-insensitive) the value of the corresponding database DB_UNIQUE_NAME initialization parameter.

connect-identifier

A fully specified connect descriptor or a name to be resolved by an Oracle Net Services naming method (for example, TNS).

Usage Notes

• You must connect to the primary database to issue this command.

• The broker uses the specified connect-identifier to communicate with the specified database from other databases. Therefore, you must ensure that the connect-identifier can be used to address the specified database from all databases in your configuration. For example, if you use tnsnames.ora files to resolve the connect-identifier, you must ensure it will be resolved to the same connect descriptor in all tnsnames.ora files and the resulting connect descriptor can be used to reach the database specified in this ADD DATABASE command.

• If the connection cannot be made, the broker does not add the new database to the configuration.

Command Example

Example 1   

The following example shows how to add a database named DR_Sales.

DGMGRL> ADD DATABASE DR_Sales AS 
> CONNECT IDENTIFIER IS DR_Sales.foo.com 
> MAINTAINED AS PHYSICAL;
Database "DR_Sales" added

CONNECT

Connects a given username to the specified database.

Format

CONNECT username/password [@connect-identifier];

Command Parameters

username/password

Represents the username and password with which you want to connect to the database.

connect-identifier

Consists of the Oracle Net Services connect identifier of the database to which you want to connect. The exact syntax depends upon the Oracle Net Services communications protocol your Oracle installation uses.

Usage Notes

• The username and password must be valid for the database to which you are trying to connect. The username you specify must have the SYSDBA privilege. You do not have to include AS SYSDBA on the CONNECT command because SYSDBA is the default setting for this command.

• If the CONNECT command returns an error, check to see that you specified a valid connect-identifier.

Command Examples

Example 1   

This example connects to the default database on the local system.

DGMGRL> CONNECT sys/change_on_install;
Connected.

Example 2   

This example connects to a remote database whose connect-identifier is prmy.

DGMGRL> CONNECT sys/change_on_install@prmy;
Connected.

Example 3   

This example connects to a database using CONNECT '/' so that connection credentials are not visible on the command line:

DGMGRL> CONNECT /@prmy;

You must set up Oracle Wallet to use CONNECT '/'. By setting up Oracle Wallet, you can write a script to securely start and run the observer as a background job without specifying database credentials in the script.

CREATE CONFIGURATION

Creates a new broker configuration, and creates and adds a primary database profile to the configuration.

Format

CREATE CONFIGURATION configuration-name AS

PRIMARY DATABASE IS database-name

CONNECT IDENTIFIER IS connect-identifier;

Command Parameters

configuration-name

A user-friendly name for the configuration you are creating. Valid names contain any alphanumeric characters. If spaces are included in the name, the name must be enclosed in double or single quotation marks. The name must consist of 30 or fewer bytes.

database-name

The name that will be used by the broker to refer to the primary database. It must match (case-insensitive) the value of the corresponding database DB_UNIQUE_NAME initialization parameter.

connect-identifier

A fully specified connect descriptor or a name to be resolved by an Oracle Net Services naming method (for example, TNS).

Usage Notes

• A broker configuration is a named collection of one or more databases that you want to manage as a group. You must specify a value for each of the command parameters. There are no default values.

• You must connect to the primary database to issue this command.

• The broker uses the specified connect-identifier to communicate with the specified database from other databases. Therefore, you must ensure that the connect-identifier can be used to address the specified database from all databases in your configuration. For example, if you use tnsnames.ora files to resolve the connect-identifier, you must ensure it will be resolved to the same connect descriptor in all tnsnames.ora files and the resulting connect descriptor can be used to reach the primary database specified in this CREATE CONFIGURATION command.

• To add standby databases after you create the broker configuration, use the ADD DATABASE command.

Command Example

Example 1   

The following example creates a new broker configuration named DRSolution with a primary database named North_Sales.

DGMGRL> CREATE CONFIGURATION 'DRSolution' AS
> PRIMARY DATABASE IS 'North_Sales'
> CONNECT IDENTIFIER IS North_Sales.foo.com;
Configuration "DRSolution" created with primary database "North_Sales"

DISABLE CONFIGURATION

Disables broker management of a configuration so that the configuration and all of its databases are no longer managed by the broker.

Format

DISABLE CONFIGURATION;

Command Parameters

None.

Usage Notes

• A disabled configuration and all of its constituent databases are no longer managed by the broker.

• The only way to disable broker management of the primary database is to use the DISABLE CONFIGURATION command.

• This command does not remove the broker configuration. See the REMOVE CONFIGURATION command for more information about removing the configuration.

• You can edit database properties and modify the configuration's protection mode while the configuration is disabled. However, any changes made to properties or to the protection mode will not take effect until the configuration is enabled.

• This command cannot be executed if fast-start failover is enabled.

Command Example

Example 1   

The following example disables management of the broker configuration and all of its databases.

DGMGRL> DISABLE CONFIGURATION;
Disabled.

DISABLE DATABASE

Disables broker management of the named standby database. This means that broker directed state changes will be disallowed for this database, and the broker will not monitor the database for health status or for monitorable property values.

Format

DISABLE DATABASE database-name;

Command Parameter

database-name

Name of the standby database to be disabled.

Usage Notes

• You cannot specify the name of a primary database.

• Use the DISABLE CONFIGURATION command to disable the primary and all standby databases.

• If the sole standby database is disabled, you have no failover option. This standby database is not viable for failover until it is reenabled.

• This command cannot be executed if fast-start failover is enabled.

Command Example

Example 1   

The following example shows how to disable a database named DR_Sales.

DGMGRL> DISABLE DATABASE 'DR_Sales';
Disabled.

DISABLE FAST_START FAILOVER

Disables fast-start failover and prevents the observer from initiating a failover to the target standby database. See Section 5.5.4, "Disabling Fast-Start Failover" for complete information.

Format

DISABLE FAST_START FAILOVER [ FORCE ];

Command Parameters

None.

Usage Notes

• If the primary and target standby database have a network connection, use DISABLE FAST_START FAILOVER without the FORCE option to disable fast-start failover on all databases in the broker configuration. If errors occur during the disable operation, the broker returns an error message and stops the disable operation. You may need to reissue the DISABLE FAST_START FAILOVER command with the FORCE option to override the error conditions and disable fast-start failover.

• Use DISABLE FAST_START FAILOVER with the FORCE option when the network between the primary and target standby databases is disconnected or when the database upon which the command is received does not have a connection with the primary database. The FORCE option disables fast-start failover on the database to which you are connected, even when errors occur.

• Disabling fast-start failover with the FORCE option on a primary database that is disconnected from the observer and the target standby database does not prevent the observer from initiating a fast-start failover to the target standby database.

• You can disable fast-start failover while connected to any database in the broker configuration.

• If disabled by force at the target standby database and the connection subsequently resumes with the primary database, fast-start failover is disabled on all databases in the configuration.

Command Example

Example 1   

The following example shows how to disable fast-start failover.

DGMGRL> DISABLE FAST_START FAILOVER;
Disabled.

EDIT CONFIGURATION (Property)

Changes the value of a property for the broker configuration.

Format

EDIT CONFIGURATION SET PROPERTY FastStartFailoverThreshold = threshold-seconds;

Command Parameter

property-name

The FastStartFailoverThreshold property

Usage Notes

• Issue this command while connected to the primary database or to any standby database in the broker configuration having connectivity to the primary database.

• This command specifies a value for the FastStartFailoverThreshold property. The number of seconds you specify determines how long the observer and target standby database should simultaneously wait to hear from the primary database before initiating a fast-start failover. The FastStartFailoverThreshold property is discussed in Section 9.2.10 and in Section 5.5.2.

• Set this property to increase or decrease the sensitivity of the fast-start failover trigger.

• Specify the threshold-value as a positive, nonzero number of seconds. The default value is 30 seconds and may be made to be configuration-dependent (for example, if the primary database is a RAC.)

• This property may be modified whether fast-start failover is enabled or disabled.

• Use the SHOW CONFIGURATION command to display the current property information for the configuration.

Command Example

Example 1   

The following example shows how to set the FastStartFailoverThreshold property to 90 seconds.

DGMGRL> EDIT CONFIGURATION SET PROPERTY FastStartFailoverThresdhold=90;

EDIT CONFIGURATION (Protection Mode)

Edits the current protection mode setting for the broker configuration.

Format

EDIT CONFIGURATION SET PROTECTION MODE AS protection-mode;

Command Parameter

protection-mode

The data protection mode in which you want the configuration to run when the configuration is enabled. The possible protection modes are:

MAXPROTECTION
MAXAVAILABILITY
MAXPERFORMANCE

Usage Notes

• Before you use the EDIT CONFIGURATION command to set the protection mode to either the MAXPROTECTION or MAXAVAILABILITY mode, ensure that standby redo log files are configured on a standby database.

• The following table shows the configuration protection modes and the minimum corresponding settings for redo transport services:

  Protection Mode	Redo Transport	Standby Redo Log Files Needed?	Required for Fast-Start Failover?
  MAXPROTECTION	SYNC	Yes	No
  MAXAVAILABILITY	SYNC	Yes	Yes
  MAXPERFORMANCE	ARCH or ASYNC	Yes for ASYNC	No

  
  

  The default protection mode for the configuration is MAXPERFORMANCE.

  See Also:

  Chapter 4 for more information about the protection modes and redo transport services

• MAXAVAILABILITY is required in order to enable fast-start failover.

• This command cannot be executed if fast-start failover is enabled.

• After you change the protection mode, the broker will automatically restart the primary database, if necessary.

• Use the SHOW CONFIGURATION command to display the current protection mode for the configuration.

  DGMGRL> SHOW CONFIGURATION;
  
  Configuration
    Name:            DRSolution
    Enabled:         YES
    Protection Mode: MaxPerformance
    Databases:
      North_Sales - Primary database
      DR_Sales    - Physical standby database
  
  Current status for "DRSolution":
  SUCCESS
  
  

If broker management of the configuration is disabled when you enter the EDIT CONFIGURATION command, the protection mode of the configuration does not take effect until the next time you enable the configuration with the ENABLE CONFIGURATION command.

Command Example

Example 1   

The following example shows how to upgrade the broker configuration to the MAXPROTECTION protection mode. The broker configuration will have the maximum amount of data protection after these commands complete.

Verify that standby redo log files are configured on the standby database and that the redo transport service is set to SYNC, for example:

DGMGRL> EDIT DATABASE 'DR_Sales' SET PROPERTY 'LogXptMode'='SYNC';
Property "LogXptMode" updated

DGMGRL> EDIT CONFIGURATION SET PROTECTION MODE AS MAXPROTECTION;
Operation requires shutdown of instance "sales1" on database "North_Sales"
Shutting down instance "sales1"...
Database closed.
Database dismounted.
ORACLE instance shut down.
Operation requires startup of instance "sales1" on database "North_Sales"
Starting instance "sales1"...
ORACLE instance started.
Database mounted.

The broker automatically stops and restarts the primary database.

EDIT DATABASE (Property)

Changes the value of a property for the named database.

Format

EDIT DATABASE database-name

SET PROPERTY property-name = value;

Command Parameters

database-name

The name of the database for which you want to change a property value.

property-name

The name of an existing database-specific property. If this is a RAC database, this property change affects all instances of the database.

See Also:

Chapter 4 and Chapter 9 for information about properties.

value

The new value for the property.

Caution:

This command can be used to change the value of a per-instance property if and only if just one instance is known by the broker for the named database. An attempt to use this command to change a per-instance property when the broker knows of multiple instances of the database will be rejected. It is recommended to only use EDIT INSTANCE (property) to change the value of a per-instance property.

Command Examples

Example 1   

Edit a database level property.

DGMGRL> EDIT DATABASE 'North_Sales' SET PROPERTY 'ArchiveLagTarget'=1200;
Property "ArchiveLagTarget" updated

Example 2   

Edit an instance level property of a non-RAC database.

DGMGRL> EDIT DATABASE 'DR_Sales' SET PROPERTY 
> 'StandbyArchiveLocation'='/archfs/arch/';
Property "StandbyArchiveLocation" updated

Example 3   

Edit an instance level property of a RAC database. This will not succeed because it is not clear to which instance the property change should be applied.

DGMGRL> EDIT DATABASE 'North_Sales' SET PROPERTY
> 'StandbyArchiveLocation'='/archfs/arch/';
Error: ORA-16587: ambiguous object specified to Data Guard broker

Failed.

EDIT DATABASE (Rename)

Changes the name used by the broker to refer to the specified database, as recorded in that database's profile in the broker configuration.

Format

EDIT DATABASE database-name

RENAME TO new-database-name;

Command Parameters

database-name

The name of the database that you want to change.

new-database-name

The name of the new database.

Usage Notes

• Use this command to track changes to the DB_UNIQUE_NAME initialization parameter for this database.

  Caution:

  The database-name must always match the value for that database's DB_UNIQUE_NAME initialization parameter.

• This command can only be done when broker management of the database that you are renaming is disabled.

Command Example

Example 1   

The following example shows how to edit and rename a database.

DGMGRL> EDIT DATABASE 'DR_Sales_typo' RENAME TO 'DR_Sales';
Succeeded.

DGMGRL> ENABLE DATABASE 'DR_Sales';
Enabled.

EDIT DATABASE (State)

Changes the state of the specified database.

Format

EDIT DATABASE database-name

SET STATE = state

[WITH APPLY INSTANCE = instance-name];

Command Parameters

database-name

The name of the database for which you want to change the state.

state

The state in which you want the database to be running. The possible states are:

ONLINE
LOG-TRANSPORT-OFF (primary database only)
LOG-APPLY-OFF (standby database only)
READ-ONLY (physical standby database only)
OFFLINE

instance-name

The name of the instance you want to become the apply instance if this is a RAC standby database.

Usage Notes

• If the target state is ONLINE and this database is currently in the standby role, the optional WITH APPLY INSTANCE clause specifies which instance will become the apply instance.

• If the target state is not ONLINE or if the database is currently in the primary role, the WITH APPLY INSTANCE clause is ignored even if it is specified.

• All instances of a RAC database are affected by this database state change.

Command Example

The following examples show how to change the state of a database.

Example 1   

DGMGRL> EDIT DATABASE 'DR_Sales' SET STATE='READ-ONLY';
Succeeded.

Example 2   

DGMGRL> EDIT DATABASE 'North_Sales' SET STATE='OFFLINE';
Operation requires shutdown of instance "sales1" on database "North_Sales"
Shutting down instance "sales1"...
Database closed.
Database dismounted.
ORACLE instance shut down.

EDIT INSTANCE (AUTO PFILE)

Sets the name of the initialization parameter file for the specified instance.

Format

EDIT INSTANCE instance-name

[ON DATABASE database-name]

SET AUTO PFILE [= { initialization-file | OFF } ];

Command Parameters

instance-name

The name of the instance (SID) for which you want to specify its initialization parameter file.

database-name

The name of the database to which the instance-name is associated.

initialization-file

Executes the startup operation for the instance when a subsequent broker operation requires the instance to be started automatically. If SET AUTO PFILE is set to OFF, automatic restart of that instance is disabled. When a subsequent operation needs to start that instance, you must start it manually. If you do not specify SET AUTO PFILE for the instance, the automatic startup operation looks for the initialization parameter file at the default location.

Usage Notes

• The instance-name can be unique across the configuration. If instance-name is not unique, you must specify both the database-name and the instance-name to fully identify the instance.

• SET AUTO PFILE is valid only for the duration of the current DGMGRL session. You must specify SET AUTO PFILE again if you quit and reenter DGMGRL.

Command Example

Example 1   

The following example shows how to edit an instance of a database.

DGMGRL> EDIT INSTANCE 'dr_sales1' ON DATABASE 'DR_Sales' 
> SET AUTO PFILE='initsales1.ora';
Instance 'dr_sales1' updated

EDIT INSTANCE (Property)

Changes the value of a property for the specified instance.

Format

EDIT INSTANCE instance-name

[ON DATABASE database-name]

SET PROPERTY property-name = value;

Command Parameters

instance-name

The name of the instance (SID) for which you want to change a per-instance property value.

database-name

The name of the database to which the instance-name is associated.

property-name

The name of the per-instance property for which you want to set a new value.

See Also:

Chapter 4 and Chapter 9 for information about properties.

value

The new value for the property.

Usage Notes

• The instance-name can be unique across the configuration. If instance-name is not unique, you must specify both the database-name and the instance-name to fully identify the instance.

• This command cannot be used to change a database-specific property.

Command Examples

Example 1   

Edit an instance level property.

DGMGRL> EDIT INSTANCE 'sales1' ON DATABASE 'North_Sales' 
> SET PROPERTY 'StandbyArchiveLocation'='/archfs/arch/';
Property "StandbyArchiveLocation" updated.

Example 2   

Edit a database level property. This will not be allowed.

DGMGRL> EDIT INSTANCE 'sales1' ON DATABASE 'North_Sales' 
> SET PROPERTY 'LogXptMode'='SYNC';
Error: ORA-16586: could not edit database property through instance

Failed.

ENABLE CONFIGURATION

Enables the broker to actively manage the broker configuration including all of its databases.

Format

ENABLE CONFIGURATION;

Command Parameters

None.

Usage Notes

• Use this command to enable broker management of the primary database.

• By default, broker management of the configuration's databases is enabled in the ONLINE state with redo transport services turned on at the primary database and log apply services turned on at the standby databases. You can change the state of any database using the EDIT DATABASE (State) command, but not when the database or the entire configuration is disabled.

• Use the SHOW CONFIGURATION command to display information about the configuration.

Command Example

Example 1   

The following example enables management of a broker configuration.

DGMGRL> ENABLE CONFIGURATION;
Enabled.

ENABLE DATABASE

Enables broker management of the specified standby database.

Format

ENABLE DATABASE database-name;

Command Parameter

database-name

The name of the standby database for which you want to enable broker management.

Usage Notes

• A standby database may have been disabled by the broker as a consequence of a prior failover or switchover operation. See Section 5.4.3 to understand how the database can be reenabled.

• By default, broker management of the standby database is enabled in the ONLINE state with log apply services enabled. You can change the state of the standby database using the EDIT DATABASE (State) command, but only when the database is enabled.

• Use the SHOW DATABASE command to display information about the database.

• For a RAC database, only one instance is required to be started and mounted for this command to succeed.

Command Example

Example 1   

The following example shows how to enable a database named DR_Sales.

DGMGRL> ENABLE DATABASE 'DR_Sales';
Enabled.

ENABLE FAST_START FAILOVER

Enables the broker to fail over to a specifically-chosen, synchronized standby database in the event of loss of the primary database, without requiring you to perform any manual steps to invoke the failover. See Section 5.5.2, "Enabling Fast-Start Failover" for complete information.

Format

ENABLE FAST_START FAILOVER;

Command Parameters

None.

Usage Notes

• The prerequisites described in Section 5.5.1 must be met before you issue this command to enable fast-start failover.

• Issuing the ENABLE FAST_START FAILOVER command does not trigger a failover, it only allows the observer to monitor the configuration and initiate fast-start failover if conditions warrant a failover.

• You can enable fast-start failover while connected to any database system in the broker configuration.

• If you do not start the observer after you have enabled fast-start failover, the ORA-16819 warning displays for the primary and target standby databases. For example:

  DGMGRL> SHOW DATABASE 'North_Sales';
  Database
    Name:            North_Sales
    Role:            PRIMARY
    Enabled:         YES
    Intended State:  ONLINE
    Instance(s):
      sales1
   
  Current status for "North_Sales":
  Warning: ORA-16819: Fast-Start Failover observer not started
  
  

• To enable fast-start failover for a broker configuration with multiple standby databases, the FastStartFailoverTarget property on the primary database and one standby database must be set to point to each other. Both the primary database and the target standby database must have:

  • Standby redo logs configured

  • The LogXptMode property set to SYNC

  • Flashback Database enabled on both the primary and standby databases

  In addition, the configuration protection mode must be set to MAXAVAILABILITY. Step 2 in Section 5.5.2 and Section 9.2.9 provide more information about the FastStartFailoverTarget property.

• Once you have enabled fast-start failover, you must comply with the restrictions described in Section 5.5.2.2, "Restrictions When Fast-Start Failover is Enabled".

Command Example

Example 1   

The following example enables fast-start failover.

DGMGRL> ENABLE FAST_START FAILOVER;
Enabled.

Example 2   

The following example attempts to enable fast-start failover when the configuration protection mode is MAXPERFORMANCE.

DGMGRL> SHOW CONFIGURATION;
 
Configuration
  Name:                The SUPER cluster
  Enabled:             YES
  Protection Mode:     MaxPerformance
  Fast-Start Failover: DISABLED
  Databases:
    dgb1  - Primary database
    dgb12 - Physical standby database
 
Current status for "The SUPER cluster":
SUCCESS
 
DGMGRL> ENABLE FAST_START FAILOVER;
Error: ORA-16651: requirements not met for enabling Fast-Start Failover
 
Failed.

EXIT

Exits (quits) the command-line interface.

Format

EXIT;

Command Parameters

None.

Usage Notes

• This command has the same effect as the QUIT command.

• A database connection is not required to execute this command. However, if you are connected, this command breaks the connection.

Command Example

Example 1   

The following example demonstrates how to exit (quit) the command-line interface.

DGMGRL> EXIT;

FAILOVER

Invokes a failover that transitions the named (target) standby database into the role of a primary database. This type of failover is referred to as manual failover. See Section 5.4, "Manual Failover" for more information.

Format

FAILOVER TO database-name

[ IMMEDIATE ];

Command Parameters

database-name

The name of the standby database you want to fail over to the primary database role.

Usage Notes

• You can perform a manual failover or set up the broker to perform a fast-start failover. See the ENABLE FAST_START FAILOVER command for information about allowing the broker to automatically invoke failover, when conditions warrant a failover.

• If fast-start failover is enabled, you may perform a complete manual failover only to the target standby database and only if the target standby database is synchronized with the primary database, and only when the observer is started. You cannot perform an immediate manual failover when fast-start failover is enabled.

• The specified standby database must be enabled before the primary database fails. However, an enabled standby database that was taken offline can be a candidate for the failover operation. In this case, restart the standby database using DGMGRL STARTUP command, then issue the FAILOVER command.

• The failover operates on the specified standby database and changes one its role to a primary database. Any other standby databases not involved in the failover remain in the standby role.

• Before you issue the FAILOVER command, verify that you are connected to the standby database that will become the new primary database. If necessary, issue a CONNECT command to connect to the standby database.

• If the FAILOVER command is issued without any options, the standby database chosen as the failover target applies all unpiled redo it has received before changing to the primary role.

• If the standby database that you want to fail over to the primary role is a RAC database, the broker will shut down all of the instances except the apply instance before it continues the failover operation. See Section 5.4.3 for details.

• If the standby database that is transitioning into the role of primary database is a physical standby database, then the database instance (or instances) will be restarted if the database was opened read-only prior to the failover. The database restart occurs as part of the failover. If the database is a logical standby database, the database instance (or instances) does not need to be restarted. Failing over to a logical standby database has the side effect of disabling all other standby databases in the configuration.

• If the broker configuration is in either MAXPROTECTION or MAXAVAILABILITY protection mode, a manual failover operation will force the protection mode to be MAXPERFORMANCE. The redo transport service settings are unaffected. You need to restore the desired protection mode for the resulting configuration after the failover operation.

  Note:

  With fast-start failover, the broker preserves the protection mode at the same maximum availability level in which it was operating before the failover.

• If the FAILOVER command is issued with the IMMEDIATE option, no attempt is made to apply any unapplied redo that has been received. This option more likely results in lost application data even when standby redo log files are configured on the standby database. Additionally, any remaining standby databases in the configuration cannot function as such until they are reenabled. See Section 5.4.3 for more information about reenabling databases.

• If Flashback Database was enabled on the former (failed) primary database prior to the failover, the former primary database can be reinstated using the broker's REINSTATE command (see the REINSTATE DATABASE command).

  If failover was performed to a physical standby database, any other physical standby databases that were disabled by the failover can be reinstated if Flashback Database was enabled on the standby database and there are sufficient flashback logs available. See Section 5.4.3, "Reenabling Disabled Databases After Failover or Switchover" for step-by-step instructions.

• The original primary database can only participate in the configuration as a standby database after it is reenabled.

  Caution:

  You should shut down the original primary database if it still has any active instances running prior to failing over.

  See Also:

  Section 5.4.3 about reenabling the original primary database so that it could serve as a standby database to the primary database

Command Examples

Example 1   

The following example performs a failover in which the standby database, DR_Sales, transitions to the primary role:

DGMGRL> FAILOVER TO "DR_Sales";
Performing failover NOW, please wait...
Operation requires shutdown of instance "dr_sales1" on database "DR_Sales"

Shutting down instance "dr_sales1"...
ORA-01109: database not open
Database dismounted.
ORACLE instance shut down.
Operation requires startup of instance "dr_sales1" on database "DR_Sales"
Starting instance "dr_sales1"...
ORACLE instance started.
Database mounted.
Failover succeeded, new primary is "DR_Sales"

HELP

Displays online help for the Data Guard command-line interface.

Format

HELP [topic];

Command Parameter

topic

The topic for which you want to display help information. If you do not specify a topic, the command lists all of the topics and the format. Valid topics are:

ADD
CONNECT
CREATE
DISABLE
EDIT
ENABLE
EXIT
FAILOVER
HELP
QUIT
REINSTATE
REM
REMOVE
SHOW
SHUTDOWN
START
STARTUP
STOP
SWITCHOVER

Usage Note

• A database connection is not required to execute this command.

Command Examples

Example 1   

The following examples get help on the HELP and CONNECT commands.

DGMGRL> HELP HELP;

Display description and syntax for a given command

Syntax:

  HELP [<command>];

DGMGRL> HELP CONNECT;

Connect to an Oracle instance

Syntax:

  CONNECT <username>/<password>[@<connect identifier>]

Example 2   

The following example gets help on the EDIT commands.

DGMGRL> HELP EDIT

Edit a configuration, database or instance

Syntax:

  EDIT CONFIGURATION SET PROTECTION MODE AS
    {MaxProtection|MaxAvailability|MaxPerformance};
  EDIT CONFIGURATION SET PROPERTY <property name> = <value>;

  EDIT DATABASE <database name> SET PROPERTY <property name> = <value>;

  EDIT DATABASE <database name> RENAME TO <new database name>;

  EDIT DATABASE <database name> SET STATE = <state>
    [WITH APPLY INSTANCE = <instance name>];

  EDIT INSTANCE <instance name> [ON DATABASE <database name>]
    SET AUTO PFILE [ = {<initialization file path>|OFF} ];

  EDIT INSTANCE <instance name> [ON DATABASE <database name>]
    SET PROPERTY <property name> = <value>;

QUIT

Quits (exits) the Data Guard command-line interface.

Format

QUIT;

Command Parameters

None.

Usage Notes

• This command has the same effect as the EXIT command.

• A database connection is not required to execute this command. However, if you are connected, this command breaks the connection.

Command Example

Example 1   

The following example shows how to quit (exit) the command-line interface.

DGMGRL> QUIT;

REINSTATE DATABASE

Reinstates a former primary database as a new standby database in the broker configuration for the current primary database.

Format

REINSTATE DATABASE database-name;

Command Parameter

database-name

The name of the database that is to be reinstated in the broker configuration.

Usage Notes

• If the conditions for reinstatement described in Section 5.5.7 are not satisfied, the reinstatement will fail with an appropriate error status and the specified database will remain disabled.

• If the database-name specified is that of the old primary and fast-start failover is enabled, the old primary database will be reinstated as a standby to the new primary, and the fast-start failover environment will be updated to reflect the availability of the new standby database. It will accept redo data from the new primary database and be the target of a fast-start failover should the new primary database fail. Reinstatement occurs automatically if the observer is running.

• This command does not require that fast-start failover is enabled. It can be used to reinstate an old primary database after a complete manual failover has been performed.

• Issue this command while connected to any database in the broker configuration, except the database that is to be reinstated.

Command Examples

Example 1   

The following example reinstates the DR_Sales database as a standby database in the broker configuration.

DGMGRL> REINSTATE DATABASE 'North_Sales';
Reinstating database "North_Sales", please wait...
Operation requires shutdown of instance "sales1" on database "North_Sales"
Shutting down instance "sales1"...
ORA-01109: database not open
 
Database dismounted.
ORACLE instance shut down.
Operation requires startup of instance "sales1" on database "North_Sales"
Starting instance "sales1"...
ORACLE instance started.
Database mounted.
Continuing to reinstate database "North_Sales" ...
Reinstatement of database "North_Sales" succeeded

REMOVE CONFIGURATION

Removes all of the broker configuration information, including all database profiles, from the Data Guard configuration file, and terminates broker management of all of the databases associated with the broker configuration.

Format

REMOVE CONFIGURATION [ PRESERVE DESTINATIONS ];

Command Parameters

None.

Usage Notes

• When you remove a broker configuration, management of all of the databases associated with that configuration is disabled.

• By default, the command removes the corresponding broker settings of the LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST_n initialization parameter on the primary database and the LOG_ARCHIVE_CONFIG initialization parameters on all databases in the configuration. To preserve these settings, use the PRESERVE DESTINATIONS option.

• This command does not remove or affect the actual primary or standby database instances, databases, datafiles, control files, initialization parameter files, server parameter files, or log files of the underlying Data Guard configuration.

• You cannot remove the configuration when fast-start failover is enabled.

Command Example

The following examples show a successful and an unsuccessful REMOVE CONFIGURATION command.

Example 1   Successful REMOVE CONFIGURATION Command

The following command shows how to remove configuration information from the configuration file.

DGMGRL> REMOVE CONFIGURATION;
Removed configuration
DGMGRL> SHOW CONFIGURATION;
Error: ORA-16532: Data Guard broker configuration does not exist
 
Configuration details cannot be determined by DGMGRL

Example 2   Unsuccessful REMOVE CONFIGURATION Command

The following command is unsuccessful because fast-start failover is enabled.

DGMGRL> REMOVE CONFIGURATION;
Error: ORA-16654: Fast-Start Failover was enabled
 
Failed.
DGMGRL> SHOW CONFIGURATION VERBOSE;
 
Configuration
 Name:                DRSolution
 Enabled:             YES
 Protection Mode:     MaxAvailability
 Fast-Start Failover: ENABLED
 Databases:
   North_Sales  - Primary database
   West_Sales   - Logical standby database
                - Fast-Start Failover target
   DR_Sales     - Physical standby database
 
Fast-Start Failover
 Threshold: 45 seconds
 Observer:  stacm29
 
Current status for "DRSolution":
SUCCESS

REMOVE DATABASE

Removes the specified standby database's profile from the broker configuration and terminates broker management of the standby database.

Format

REMOVE DATABASE database-name [ PRESERVE DESTINATIONS ];

Command Parameter

database-name

The name of the standby database whose profile you want to remove from the broker configuration.

Usage Note

• An error is returned if you specify the name of the primary database in the broker configuration.

• By default, the command removed the corresponding broker settings of the LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST_n initialization parameter on the primary database and the LOG_ARCHIVE_CONFIG initialization parameter on all databases in the configuration. To preserve these settings, use the PRESERVE DESTINATIONS option.

• This command cannot be executed if fast-start failover is enabled and database-name specifies the name of the target standby database.

Command Example

Example 1   

The following example shows how to remove a database from the Data Guard configuration.

DGMGRL> SHOW CONFIGURATION;

Configuration
 Name:                DRSolution
 Enabled:             NO
 Protection Mode:     MaxPerformance
 Fast-Start Failover: DISABLED
 Databases:
   North_Sales  - Primary database
   DR_Sales     - Physical standby database
 
Current status for "DRSolution":
SUCCESS

DGMGRL> REMOVE DATABASE 'DR_Sales';
Removed database "DR_Sales" from the configuration

DGMGRL> SHOW CONFIGURATION;
Configuration
 Name:                DRSolution
 Enabled:             NO
 Protection Mode:     MaxPerformance
 Fast-Start Failover: DISABLED
 Databases:
   North_Sales  - Primary database
 
Current status for "DRSolution":
SUCCESS

REMOVE INSTANCE

Removes an instance from an existing database profile in the broker configuration.

Format

REMOVE INSTANCE instance-name

[ON DATABASE database-name];

Command Parameters

instance-name

The name of the instance (SID) that you want to remove from the broker configuration.

database-name

The name of the database to which the instance-name is associated.

Usage Notes

• In a RAC database, the broker automatically adds started instances into the corresponding database profile. However, the broker may not automatically remove instances from the database profile. The REMOVE INSTANCE command can be used to manually remove any instance that no longer exists from the database profile.

• The instance-name can be unique across the configuration. If instance-name is not unique, you must specify both the database-name and the instance-name to fully identify the instance.

• This command is rejected for an instance that is currently active in the broker configuration.

• This command is rejected if this is the only instance currently associated with a database profile.

Command Example

Example 1   

The following example shows how to remove an instance of the database.

DGMGRL> REMOVE INSTANCE 'dr_sales3' ON DATABASE 'DR_Sales';
Removed instance "dr_sales3" from the database "DR_Sales"

SHOW CONFIGURATION

Displays a summary and status of the broker configuration. The summary lists all databases included in the broker configuration and other information pertaining to the broker configuration itself, including the fast-start failover status.

Format

SHOW CONFIGURATION [VERBOSE];

Command Parameters

None.

Usage Notes

• Use SHOW CONFIGURATION VERBOSE to show the fast-start failover threshold and the observer host system when fast-start failover is enabled.

Command Examples

Example 1   Showing a Summary of the DRSolution Configuration

The following example provides a summary of the DRSolution configuration.

DGMGRL> SHOW CONFIGURATION;
 
Configuration
 Name:                DRSolution
 Enabled:             YES
 Protection Mode:     MaxPerformance
 Fast-Start Failover: DISABLED
 Databases:
   North_Sales  - Primary database
   DR_Sales     - Physical standby database
 
Current status for "DRSolution"
SUCCESS

Example 2   Verifying the Readiness of Fast-Start Failover

The following example verifies the readiness of the fast-start failover configuration:

DGMGRL> SHOW CONFIGURATION VERBOSE;

Configuration
 Name:                DRSolution
 Enabled:             YES
 Protection Mode:     MaxAvailability
 Fast-Start Failover: ENABLED
 Databases:
   North_Sales - Primary database
   DR_Sales    - Physical standby database
               - Fast-Start Failover target
Fast-Start Failover
 Threshold: 45 seconds
 Observer:  observer.foo.com
Current status for "DRSolution":
SUCCESS 

SHOW DATABASE

Displays information or property values of the specified database and its instances.

Format

SHOW DATABASE [VERBOSE] database-name [property-name];

Command Parameters

database-name

The name of the database for which you want to display information.

property-name

The name of the property for which you want to display a value.

See Also:

Chapter 4 and Chapter 9 for information about properties.

Usage Notes

• The SHOW DATABASE command shows a brief summary of the database. SHOW DATABASE VERBOSE shows properties of the database in addition to the brief summary. They both show the status of the database.

• The SHOW DATABASE VERBOSE command shows database-specific properties and instance-specific properties. For a non-RAC database, the values of the instance-specific properties are those of the only instance of the database. For a RAC database, the values of the instance-specific properties will not be shown, although the property names are still listed. To see the instance-specific values of these properties, use the SHOW INSTANCE command.

• The properties that the SHOW DATABASE VERBOSE command shows depend on the database role and the configuration composition:

  • For the primary database, properties specific to physical standby databases are shown only if there is at least one physical standby database in the configuration. The properties specific to logical standby databases are shown only if there is at least one logical standby database in the configuration.

  • For physical standby databases, properties specific to logical standby databases are not shown.

  • For logical standby databases, properties specific to physical standby databases are not shown.

• This command is rejected if you use SHOW DATABASE property-name command to show an instance-specific property in a RAC database.

Command Examples

Example 1   

Shows database information in an abbreviated format.

DGMGRL> SHOW DATABASE 'DR_Sales';
Database
  Name:            DR_Sales
  Role:            PHYSICAL STANDBY
  Enabled:         YES
  Intended State:  ONLINE
  Instance(s):
    dr_sales1

Current status for "DR_Sales":
SUCCESS

Example 2   

Shows database information in an extended format.

DGMGRL> SHOW DATABASE VERBOSE 'North_Sales'
Database
 Name:            North_Sales
 Role:            PRIMARY
 Enabled:         YES
 Intended State:  ONLINE
 Instance(s):
   sales1
 Properties:
   InitialConnectIdentifier        = 'North_Sales.foo.com'
   LogXptMode                      = 'ARCH'
   Dependency                      = ''
   DelayMins                       = '0'
   Binding                         = 'OPTIONAL'
   MaxFailure                      = '0'
   MaxConnections                  = '0'
   ReopenSecs                      = '30'
   NetTimeout                      = '180'
   LogShipping                     = 'ON'
   PreferredApplyInstance          = ''
   ApplyInstanceTimeout            = '0'
   ApplyParallel                   = 'AUTO'
   StandbyFileManagement           = 'AUTO'
   ArchiveLagTarget                = '0'
   LogArchiveMaxProcesses          = '5'
   LogArchiveMinSucceedDest        = '1'
   DbFileNameConvert               = 'dbs/s2t, dbs/t'
   LogFileNameConvert              = 'dbs/s2t, dbs/t'
   FastStartFailoverTarget         = ''
   StatusReport                    = '(monitor)'
   InconsistentProperties          = '(monitor)'
   InconsistentLogXptProps         = '(monitor)'
   SendQEntries                    = '(monitor)'
   LogXptStatus                    = '(monitor)'
   RecvQEntries                    = '(monitor)'
   HostName                        = 'north.foo.com'
   SidName                         = 'sales1'
   LocalListenerAddress            = '(ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=TCP)(HOST=north.foo.com)(PORT=1514))'
   StandbyArchiveLocation          = '/archfs/arch/'
   AlternateLocation               = ''
   LogArchiveTrace                 = '255'
   LogArchiveFormat                = 'r_%d_%t_%s_%r.arc'
   LatestLog                       = '(monitor)'
   TopWaitEvents                   = '(monitor)'
Current status for "North_Sales":
SUCCESS 

SHOW INSTANCE

Displays information or property value of the specified instance.

Format

SHOW INSTANCE [VERBOSE] instance-name [property-name]

[ON DATABASE database-name];

Command Parameters

instance-name

The name of the instance for which you want to display information.

property-name

The name of the property for which you want to display a value.

See Also:

Chapter 4 and Chapter 9 for information about properties.

database-name

The name of the database to which is associated the instance for which you want to show information.

Usage Notes

• The SHOW INSTANCE command shows a brief summary of the instance. SHOW INSTANCE VERBOSE shows properties of the instance in addition to the brief summary. They both show the status of the instance.

• The SHOW INSTANCE VERBOSE command only shows instance-specific properties.

• The properties that the SHOW INSTANCE VERBOSE command shows depend on the database role and the configuration composition:

  • For instances of the primary database, properties specific to physical standby instances are shown only if there is at least one physical standby database in the configuration. The properties specific to logical standby instances are shown only if there is at least one logical standby database in the configuration.

  • For instances of physical standby databases, properties specific to logical standby instances are not shown.

  • For instances of logical standby databases, properties specific to physical standby instances are not shown.

• The instance-name can be unique across the configuration. If instance-name is not unique, you must specify both the database-name and the instance-name to fully identify the instance.

Command Example

Example 1   

The following example shows information about a specific instance of a database.

DGMGRL> SHOW INSTANCE sales1;

Instance 'sales1' of database 'North_Sales'
  Host Name:       north.foo.com

Current status for "sales1":
SUCCESS

Example 2   

Shows instance information in an extended format.

DGMGRL> SHOW INSTANCE VERBOSE sales1;
 
Instance 'sales1' of database 'North_Sales'
 Host Name:       north.foo.com
 PFILE:
 
 Properties:
   HostName                        = 'north.foo.com'
   SidName                         = 'sales1'
   LocalListenerAddress            = '(ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=TCP)(HOST=north.foo.com)(PORT=1514))'
   StandbyArchiveLocation          = '/archfs/arch'
   AlternateLocation               = ''
   LogArchiveTrace                 = '255'
   LogArchiveFormat                = 'r_%d_%t_%s_%r.arc'
   LsbyMaxSga                      = '0'
   LsbyMaxServers                  = '0'
   LatestLog                       = '(monitor)'
   TopWaitEvents                   = '(monitor)'
 
Current status for "sales1":
SUCCESS

SHUTDOWN

Shuts down a currently running Oracle instance.

Format

SHUTDOWN [ ABORT | IMMEDIATE | NORMAL ];

Command Parameters

None.

Usage Notes

• Using the SHUTDOWN command with no arguments is equivalent to using the SHUTDOWN NORMAL command.

• The following list describes the options to the SHUTDOWN command:

  • ABORT

    Proceeds with the fastest possible shutdown of the database without waiting for calls to complete or for users to disconnect from the database. Uncommitted transactions are not rolled back. Client SQL statements being processed are terminated. All users connected to the database are implicitly disconnected, and the next database startup will require instance recovery. You must use this option if a background process terminates abnormally.

    Caution:

    If you use the ABORT option on the primary database when fast-start failover is enabled and the observer is running, a fast-start failover may ensue. Use the IMMEDIATE or NORMAL option to prevent an unexpected fast-start failover from occurring.

  • IMMEDIATE

    Does not wait for current calls to complete or users to disconnect from the database. Further connections are prohibited. The database is closed and dismounted. The instance is shut down, and no instance recovery is required on the next database startup.

  • NORMAL

    This is the default option. The process waits for users to disconnect from the database. Further connections are prohibited. The database is closed and dismounted. The instance is shut down, and no instance recovery is required on the next database startup.

Command Example

Example 1   

The following command shuts down the primary database in normal mode.

DGMGRL > SHUTDOWN;

Database closed. 
Database dismounted. 
Oracle instance shut down.

START OBSERVER

Starts the fast-start failover observer.

Format

START OBSERVER [ FILE=observer_configuration_filename ];

Command Parameters

filename

Specifies an explicit directory path and file name on the observer computer.

Usage Notes

• The Oracle Client Administrator kit, or the full Oracle Database Enterprise Edition or Oracle Personal Edition kit must be installed on the observer computer to monitor a broker configuration for which fast-start failover is to be enabled. See Section 5.5.1 for more information.

• The START OBSERVER command must be issued on the observer computer. Once the observer is successfully started, control is not returned to the user until the observer is stopped (for example, by issuing the STOP OBSERVER command from a different client connection). If you want to perform further interaction with the broker configuration, you must connect through another client.

• The observer runs autonomously once it has been successfully started. For this reason, it is recommended that when invoking DGMGRL for the purpose of issing the START OBSERVER command, specify the -logfile optional parameter on the command line so that output generated while acting as the observer is not lost. See Section 8.1.1 for more information about this parameter and see Section 10.5.3 for an example use of the -logfile option.

• If a directory path is not specified with the FILE parameter, the observer searches the current working directory for the fsfo.dat file. If an fsfo.dat file is not found and this is the first time the START OBSERVER command is issued, the observer creates a fsfo.dat file.

• The primary and target standby database DB_UNIQUE_NAME initialization parameter and connect descriptors are stored in the fsfo.dat configuration file. Oracle recommends you ensure this file is protected from unauthorized access.

• Fast-start failover does not need to be enabled before you issue this command.

  • If fast-start failover is enabled, the observer will retrieve primary and target standby connect descriptors from the broker configuration and begin monitoring the configuration.

  • If fast-start failover is not enabled, the observer continually monitors for when fast-start failover is enabled.

• Only the primary database needs to be running when you issue this command; the standby database that will be the target of a fast-start failover does not need to be running.

• If the observer is stopped:

  • Because the STOP OBSERVER command was issued, you can issue the START OBSERVER command on any computer to restart the observer.

  • For any reason other than because the STOP OBSERVER command was issued, you must issue the START OBSERVER command on the same observer computer where it was started originally.

• If an observer is already running, the START OBSERVER command fails and returns one of the following errors:

  ORA-16647: could not start more than one observerDGM-16954: unable to open and lock the Observer configuration file.
  
  

• If the primary and target standby databases stay connected but they lose the connection to the observer, then the primary database goes into an unobserved state. This state is reported by the broker's health check capability.

• Use the SHOW CONFIGURATION VERBOSE command, or query the FS_FAILOVER_* columns in the V$DATABASE view on the primary database to see the status of the observer and its host computer.

Command Examples

Example 1   

The following example shows...

DGMGRL> CONNECT sys/password@North_Sales.foo.com;
DGMGRL> START OBSERVER;
Observer started

Example 2   

The following example shows how to start the observer using CONNECT '/' so that connection credentials are not visible on the command line:

DGMGRL> CONNECT /@North_Sales.foo.com;
DGMGRL> START OBSERVER;
Observer started.

You must set up Oracle Wallet to use CONNECT '/'. By setting up Oracle Wallet, you can write a script to securely start and run the observer as a background job without specifying database credentials in the script.

STARTUP

Starts an Oracle database instance with any of the following options:

• FORCE: shuts down the current Oracle instance in the SHUTDOWN ABORT mode before restarting it.

• RESTRICT: allows only Oracle users with the RESTRICTED SESSION system privilege to connect to the instance.

• PFILE: specifies the PFILE initialization parameter file to be used when the database instance is started.

• MOUNT: mounts the specified database without opening it. However, if the broker is enabled (DG_BROKER_START=TRUE) and the specified database is a primary database or a logical standby database, the broker will attempt to open the database if the database profile indicates the database should be opened.

• OPEN: mounts and opens the specified database.

• NOMOUNT: starts the specified database instance without mounting the database.

Format

STARTUP

[FORCE]

[RESTRICT]

[PFILE=filename]

[MOUNT] | OPEN [open-options] | NOMOUNT];

Command Parameters

filename

The name of the initialization parameter file to be used when starting the database instance. If you do not specify the PFILE parameter option, then the default server parameter file (specific to your operating system) is used.

open-options

The mode of access in which you want the specified database to start. The possible modes are:

READ ONLY
READ WRITE

Usage Notes

• Using the STARTUP command with no arguments is equivalent to using the STARTUP OPEN command.

• If you do not use the FORCE clause when you use the STARTUP command and the current database instance is running, an error results. The FORCE clause is useful when you are debugging or when error conditions are occurring. Otherwise, it should not be used.

• Use the RESTRICT clause to allow only Oracle users with the RESTRICTED SESSION system privilege to connect to the instance. Later, you can use the ALTER SYSTEM command through SQL*Plus to disable the restricted session feature.

• If you do not use the PFILE clause to specify the initialization parameter file, the STARTUP command uses the default server parameter file, if it exists. Otherwise, the STARTUP command uses the default initialization parameter file. The default files are platform specific.

  See your operating system-specific documentation for more information about the default parameter files.

• Use the OPEN clause to mount and open the specified database.

• The NOMOUNT clause starts the database instance without mounting the database. You cannot use the NOMOUNT clause with the MOUNT or OPEN options.

Command Examples

Example 1   

The following examples show two different methods for starting a database instance. Each command starts a database instance using the standard parameter file, mounts the default database in exclusive mode, and opens the database.

DGMGRL> STARTUP;
DGMGRL> STARTUP OPEN;

Example 2   

The following command shuts down the current instance, immediately restarts it without mounting or opening the database, and allows only users with restricted session privileges to connect to it.

DGMGRL > STARTUP FORCE RESTRICT NOMOUNT;

Example 3   

The following command starts an instance using the parameter file testparm without mounting the database.

DGMGRL > STARTUP PFILE=testparm NOMOUNT;

Example 4   

The following example starts and mounts a database instance, but does not open it.

DGMGRL> STARTUP MOUNT;

STOP OBSERVER

Stops the fast-start failover observer.

Format

STOP OBSERVER;

Command Parameters

None.

Usage Notes

• You can issue this command while connected to any database in the broker configuration.

• This command does not disable fast-start failover.

• Fast-start failover does not need to be enabled when you issue this command.

• If fast-start failover is enabled when you issue the STOP OBSERVER command, then the primary and standby databases must be connected and communicating with each other. Otherwise the following error is returned:

  ORA-16636 Fast-Start Failover target standby in error state, cannot stop observer
  
  

• If fast-start failover is not enabled when you issue the STOP OBSERVER command, then only the primary database must be running when you stop the observer.

• The observer does not stop immediately when the STOP OBSERVER command is issued. The observer does not discover is has been stopped until the next time the observer contacts the broker.

  As soon as you have issued the STOP OBSERVER command, you may enter the START OBSERVER command again on any computer. You can start a new observer right away, even if the old observer has not yet discovered it was stopped. Any attempt to restart the old observer will fail, because a new observer has been registered with the broker configuration.

Command Examples

Example 1   

The following example stops the observer.

DGMGRL> STOP OBSERVER;

SWITCHOVER

A switchover operation is a planned transition in which the primary database exchanges roles with one of the standby databases. When you issue the SWITCHOVER command, the current primary database becomes a standby database, and the specified standby database becomes the primary database.

Format

SWITCHOVER TO database-name;

Command Parameter

database-name

The name of the standby database you want to change to the primary database role.

Usage Notes

• If fast-start failover is enabled, you may switch over only to the target standby database and only when the observer is running.

• The broker verifies that the primary and standby databases are in the following states before starting the switchover:

  • The primary database must be enabled and ONLINE, with redo transport services started.

  • The standby database must be enabled and ONLINE, with log apply services started.

• The broker allows the switchover to proceed as long as there are no redo transport services errors for the standby database that you selected to participate in the switchover. However, errors occurring for any other standby database not involved in the switchover will not prevent the switchover from proceeding.

• Switchover to a logical standby database is not allowed when the configuration is running in maximum protection mode.

• If the broker configuration is in either MAXPROTECTION or MAXAVAILABILITY mode, the switchover maintains the protection mode even after the operation (described in Section 5.3.1). The switchover will not be allowed if the mode cannot be maintained because the target standby database of the switchover was the only standby that satisfied the protection mode requirement.

• If the standby database that is assuming the primary role is a physical standby database, then both the primary and standby databases will be restarted after the switchover completes. If the standby database is a logical standby database, then neither the primary database nor the logical standby database is restarted.

• If the standby database that is assuming the primary role is a physical standby database, then the original primary becomes a physical standby database. Otherwise, it becomes a logical standby database.

• If the primary database is a RAC database, the broker will keep only one instance running and shut down all other instances before it continues the switchover. If the standby database you want to switch to the primary role is a RAC database, the broker will shut down all instances except the apply instance before it continues the switchover. See Section 5.3 for details.

• If the standby database that is assuming the primary role is a logical standby database and there are physical standby databases in the configuration, after the switchover, the physical standby databases will be disabled until they are reenabled.

  Caution:

  For this reason, Oracle generally recommends that you specify your physical standby database for switchover instead of your logical standby database. If you must switch over to your logical standby database, see Section 5.4.3 to reenable your physical standby database.

Command Examples

Example 1   

The following example shows a successful switchover in which the standby database, DR_Sales, transitions into the primary role.

DGMGRL> SWITCHOVER TO DR_Sales;
Performing switchover NOW, please wait...
Operation requires shutdown of instance "sales1" on database "North_Sales"
Shutting down instance "sales1"...
ORA-01109: database not open
 
Database dismounted.
ORACLE instance shut down.
Operation requires shutdown of instance "dr_sales1" on database "DR_Sales"
Shutting down instance "dr_sales1"...
ORA-01109: database not open
 
Database dismounted.
ORACLE instance shut down.
Operation requires startup of instance "sales1" on database "North_Sales"
Starting instance "sales1"...
ORACLE instance started.
Database mounted.
Operation requires startup of instance "dr_sales1" on database "DR_Sales"
Starting instance "dr_sales1"...
ORACLE instance started.
Database mounted.
Switchover succeeded, new primary is "DR_Sales"

Example 2   

If you connect to the database using operating system authentication, you can use any username and password to connect. However, DGMGRL may not be able to shut down and start up the primary and standby database automatically because it cannot remotely authenticate itself.

The following example shows a switchover that succeeded but returns an error because DGMGRL cannot shut down and start up the primary and standby databases.

DGMGRL> CONNECT /
Connected
 
DGMGRL> SWITCHOVER TO "DR_Sales";
Performing switchover NOW, please wait...
Operation requires shutdown of instance "sales1" on database "North_Sales"
Shutting down instance "sales1"...
ORA-01017: invalid username/password; logon denied
 
You are no longer connected to ORACLE
Please connect again.
Unable to shut down instance "sales1"
You must shut down instance "sales1" manually
Operation requires shutdown of instance "dr_sales1" on database "DR_Sales"
You must shut down instance "dr_sales1" manually.
Operation requires startup of instance "sales1" on database "North_Sales"
You must start instance "sales1" manually.
Operation requires startup of instance "dr_sales1" on database "DR_Sales"
You must start instance "dr_sales1" manually.
Switchover succeeded, new primary is "DR_Sales"

You must manually issue the SHUTDOWN and STARTUP commands to restart the new primary and standby database instances in this configuration.