Wait Type LCK_M_RIn_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS

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 uses locks to maintain data consistency and ensure concurrency when multiple operations occur simultaneously. Sometimes, these locks lead to waits, such as the LCK_M_RIn_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS wait type. Understanding this wait type can help you resolve contention issues and enhance your databases performance.

What is LCK_M_RIn_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS?

The LCK_M_RIn_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS wait type occurs when a session is waiting to acquire a Range-Intent Shared (RIn_S) lock, but it is blocked by other transactions. This type of lock is used to protect a range of data during read operations. The “Abort Blockers” aspect means that the waiting session is paused until the conflicting transactions are either completed or aborted.

In simpler terms, this wait type indicates that SQL Server is delaying a range-based read operation to avoid conflicts with other transactions that are modifying or holding locks on the same data range. While some waits are expected, prolonged or frequent waits may signal resource contention or inefficient query patterns.

Why Does LCK_M_RIn_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS Happen?

Several factors can lead to LCK_M_RIn_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS waits, including:

• Long-running transactions holding incompatible locks on the target data range.
• High contention for the same resources, such as tables, partitions, or indexes.
• Queries with inefficient execution plans causing extended lock durations.
• Concurrency issues during peak activity leading to overlapping operations.
• Heavy workloads that include a mix of read and write operations on the same data range.

By addressing these factors, you can reduce contention and improve your system's responsiveness.

How to Monitor LCK_M_RIn_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS Waits

Monitoring LCK_M_RIn_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS waits is essential for identifying the root causes of contention and resolving performance issues. The Database Health Monitor offers an excellent way to track this wait type. Its Historic Waits Monitoring feature provides detailed insights into when and how often these waits occur, their duration, and their impact on system performance.

With Database Health Monitor, you can analyze patterns in these waits and pinpoint whether they stem from blocking chains, inefficient queries, or resource contention, enabling you to implement targeted improvements.

What Can You Do About LCK_M_RIn_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS Waits?

If you encounter frequent or prolonged LCK_M_RIn_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS waits, consider the following strategies:

• Analyze and resolve blocking chains using tools like Extended Events or Activity Monitor to identify and address conflicting transactions.
• Optimize queries to reduce lock durations and improve execution efficiency.
• Ensure that indexes are well-designed to minimize contention on frequently accessed ranges.
• Partition large tables to limit the scope of range-based locks.
• Break long-running operations into smaller transactions to minimize blocking potential.
• Adjust transaction isolation levels to balance data consistency and concurrency requirements.
• Schedule range-based operations during low-traffic periods to reduce conflicts with critical workloads.

These actions can help reduce contention and improve the performance of range-based read operations in your SQL Server environment.

Why Use Database Health Monitor?

The Database Health Monitor is an essential tool for tracking SQL Server wait types, including LCK_M_RIn_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS. Its Historic Waits Monitoring feature provides actionable insights into wait trends, helping you identify and resolve performance bottlenecks. With Database Health Monitor, you can maintain a high-performing and reliable SQL Server environment.

Start using Database Health Monitor today to monitor and optimize your SQL Server’s performance, ensuring efficient and smooth database operations!

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Applies to

Related Waits

See Also

• More About LCK_M_RIn_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS