When to switch to a bigger RDS instance

In this blog, we explain when to switch to a bigger RDS instance or upgrade the RDS Instance type in AWS. Switching to a bigger RDS instance is necessary when your current instance is unable to handle the load or performance requirements of your application. Here are some common scenarios where you might need to upgrade your RDS instance:

  1. Increased traffic: If your application is experiencing a sudden surge in traffic, you may notice performance issues with your RDS instance. In this case, upgrading to a bigger instance with more CPU, RAM, and storage can help handle the increased load.
  2. Database size: As your database grows, it may require more resources to maintain good performance. If you start to notice slow query times or long backup and restore times, upgrading to a bigger instance with more storage can help.
  3. Resource contention: If your RDS instance is hosting multiple databases or applications, resource contention can occur. This can lead to performance issues and slow response times. Upgrading to a bigger instance can help ensure that there are enough resources to go around.
  4. Planned changes: If you are planning to make significant changes to your database or application, such as adding new features or expanding your user base, you may want to consider upgrading to a bigger instance proactively to ensure that you can handle the increased workload.

In general, it is a good idea to monitor your RDS instance regularly to ensure that it is meeting the performance and capacity requirements of your application. If you notice any issues, consider upgrading to a bigger instance or adjusting your settings to optimize performance.

You need to know what differences therein configuration between my.cnf and RDS DB-Parameter. When to switch to a bigger RDS instanceAll default MySQL settings that would normally be written in my.cnf. All values are the same in RDS with the exception of two which are mentioned below:  

·max_connections
·innodb_buffer_pool_size
Amazon set the following values based on the server model:
If your CPU is averaging > 70% or so, you might want to start planning on an upgrade.

Before Upgrading your Box, ensure checkpoints:

  • Ensure how much DB connection min required by your application
  • Ensure NO Slow Query running more than 10sec
  • Ensure is any scripts making more DB connection with a query for select/update / alter etc…
  • Is there any network latency between DB and application?
End of the tutorial, We explained when to switch to a bigger RDS instance.

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