Wait Type BROKER_TRANSMISSION_WORK

Wait statistics, in the context of SQL Server, refer to the amount of time that a query spends waiting to access data in the database. When a client application requests data from the database, the request is placed in a queue and the client application must wait for its turn to access the data. The time that the query spends waiting is called a "wait" and is tracked by SQL Server. This information can be used to identify potential performance bottlenecks and optimize the performance of the database. Wait statistics are commonly used by database administrators to diagnose and troubleshoot performance issues in SQL Server.

SQL Server provides wait types to help diagnose and troubleshoot performance issues. The BROKER_TRANSMISSION_WORK wait type is specific to Service Broker, a SQL Server feature for reliable messaging and asynchronous task processing. This wait type occurs when SQL Server is handling the transmission of messages in Service Broker, typically as part of ensuring messages are delivered and processed correctly. Understanding this wait type can help you manage and optimize messaging workloads.

What Is the BROKER_TRANSMISSION_WORK Wait Type?

The BROKER_TRANSMISSION_WORK wait type appears when SQL Server is performing work related to the transmission of Service Broker messages. This includes tasks like sending messages, managing acknowledgments, and handling retries in case of failures. The wait type indicates that SQL Server is processing these transmission-related tasks, and delays here could affect the flow of messages.

When Does BROKER_TRANSMISSION_WORK Appear?

This wait type can occur in various scenarios, such as:

• Active Message Transmission – When Service Broker is transmitting messages between queues, services, or endpoints.
• Retry Attempts – When SQL Server retries sending messages after encountering a temporary failure.
• Message Acknowledgments – When Service Broker processes acknowledgments from the target endpoint or queue.
• Backlogs – When a high volume of messages is queued for transmission.

Why BROKER_TRANSMISSION_WORK Waits Matter

While some BROKER_TRANSMISSION_WORK waits are expected in systems using Service Broker, excessive or prolonged waits may signal issues. Common causes include:

• High Message Volume – Large numbers of messages in queues or pending transmission can increase processing time.
• Slow Network Performance – High latency or unreliable network connections can delay message delivery and acknowledgment.
• Resource Bottlenecks – Limited CPU, memory, or disk resources can slow down the transmission process.
• Misconfigured Endpoints – Incorrect Service Broker configuration settings can prevent efficient message handling.

How to Address BROKER_TRANSMISSION_WORK Waits

If this wait type is affecting performance, consider these strategies:

• Optimize Message Queues – Monitor and clear Service Broker queues regularly to prevent message backlogs.
• Improve Network Connections – Ensure that network links between endpoints are reliable and have sufficient bandwidth to handle message traffic.
• Allocate Sufficient Resources – Make sure the SQL Server instance has adequate CPU, memory, and disk I/O capacity for Service Broker workloads.
• Validate Service Broker Configuration – Check endpoint, route, and service settings to ensure they are correct and efficient.
• Balance Workloads – Spread messaging tasks across multiple databases or servers to reduce contention on a single instance.

Monitoring BROKER_TRANSMISSION_WORK Waits

To monitor this wait type effectively, use the Historic Waits Monitoring feature in Database Health Monitor. This tool tracks wait statistics over time, helping you identify patterns and diagnose bottlenecks in Service Broker operations. By monitoring waits, you can take proactive steps to optimize message transmission and ensure system performance.

Stedman Solutions specializes in SQL Server performance tuning and optimization. If you’re experiencing BROKER_TRANSMISSION_WORK waits or other performance challenges, our Database Health Monitor provides valuable insights, and our managed services deliver expert support to keep your SQL Server environment running efficiently. Contact us today to learn how we can help improve your SQL Server performance and reliability.

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Applies to

Related Waits

See Also

• More About BROKER_TRANSMISSION_WORK