Wait Type HADR_FILESTREAM_FILE_CLOSE

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.

In SQL Server, Always On Availability Groups are a powerful feature for ensuring high availability and disaster recovery. However, they introduce unique wait types, one of which is HADR_FILESTREAM_FILE_CLOSE. Knowing what this wait type represents can help you troubleshoot issues and optimize your Always On environment.

What is HADR_FILESTREAM_FILE_CLOSE?

The HADR_FILESTREAM_FILE_CLOSE wait type occurs when SQL Server is waiting for a FILESTREAM file operation to close as part of Always On Availability Group synchronization. This wait type is related to managing FILESTREAM data, which allows SQL Server to store large binary data (like images or videos) in the file system while maintaining transactional consistency.

In simpler terms, this wait indicates that SQL Server is ensuring FILESTREAM data changes are finalized and synchronized between the primary and secondary replicas. While occasional waits are normal, excessive delays could point to inefficiencies in your system.

Why Does HADR_FILESTREAM_FILE_CLOSE Happen?

There are several reasons why HADR_FILESTREAM_FILE_CLOSE waits might occur, including:

• Large FILESTREAM operations, such as bulk updates or inserts.
• Slow disk I/O on the server hosting the FILESTREAM data.
• Network latency or bandwidth issues between the primary and secondary replicas.
• Resource contention, such as limited CPU or memory capacity, impacting synchronization.
• Heavy workloads or contention on the Always On Availability Group.

Understanding these factors is crucial for identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks.

How to Monitor HADR_FILESTREAM_FILE_CLOSE Waits

Monitoring HADR_FILESTREAM_FILE_CLOSE waits is key to diagnosing and addressing synchronization delays. The Database Health Monitor is an invaluable tool for this purpose. Its Historic Waits Monitoring feature provides detailed insights into when these waits occur and their frequency, helping you identify patterns and correlations with system activity.

Using Database Health Monitor, you can track how FILESTREAM operations impact your Always On Availability Group and pinpoint areas for improvement.

What Can You Do About HADR_FILESTREAM_FILE_CLOSE Waits?

If you notice frequent or prolonged HADR_FILESTREAM_FILE_CLOSE waits, consider the following steps:

• Optimize your FILESTREAM usage by minimizing large or unnecessary operations during peak activity.
• Improve disk performance by upgrading to faster storage or optimizing existing storage configurations.
• Ensure network connections between the primary and secondary replicas are fast and reliable.
• Allocate sufficient resources (CPU, memory, and I/O) to servers managing FILESTREAM data.
• Distribute workloads across replicas to reduce contention and improve overall system performance.

These actions can help reduce the impact of this wait type, improving the efficiency of your Always On Availability Group.

How Stedman Solutions Can Help

At Stedman Solutions, we specialize in SQL Server performance optimization and troubleshooting, including resolving issues with wait types like HADR_FILESTREAM_FILE_CLOSE. Our managed services provide expert support and proactive monitoring to ensure your Always On Availability Groups are performing at their best. Additionally, our Database Health Monitor offers comprehensive tools for tracking and analyzing SQL Server waits, helping you maintain a reliable and efficient database environment.

If you’re experiencing performance challenges or want to optimize your SQL Server setup, contact us today. Let us help you achieve a high-performing, reliable database system!

Find out more about our SQL Server Managed Services

Applies to

Related Waits

See Also

• More About HADR_FILESTREAM_FILE_CLOSE