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The Oracle buffer cache is critical to obtaining optimal database performance. Prior to Oracle8, there were very few tuning options for the buffer cache other than assigning buffers using the DB_BLOCK_BUFFERS initialization parameter. In most cases, the LRU algorithm governing the buffer cache works quite well, no other tuning is required. However, certain data access patterns have been identified that could benefit from alternative buffer aging algorithms. Oracle8 allows the buffer cache to be divided into up to three separate buffer pools to accommodate multiple cache management strategies and assignment of objects to specific buffer pools. These new cache areas are known as the DEFAULT, RECYCLE and KEEP buffer pools.

This paper presents results of preliminary investigations into this new and little-utilized feature of Oracle8, including some experimental evidence that it can provide significant performance benefits under the right circumstances.

In addition, the paper discusses some Oracle8i enhancements to the buffer cache and presents test results of the midpoint insertion algorithms introduced in Oracle8i.

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