Wait Type LCK_M_RS_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 ensure data consistency and concurrency across multiple transactions. At times, certain locks can result in waits, such as the LCK_M_RS_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS wait type. Understanding this wait type helps you diagnose and resolve blocking issues, improving your database’s performance.

What is LCK_M_RS_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS?

The LCK_M_RS_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS wait type occurs when a transaction is waiting to acquire a Range-Shared Shared (RS_S) lock but is blocked by other transactions. This type of lock is used to protect a range of data during read operations, ensuring that the data can be read by multiple transactions but cannot be modified during the process. The “Abort Blockers” component means that SQL Server must wait for conflicting transactions to either complete or be aborted before granting the lock.

In simpler terms, this wait type indicates that SQL Server is pausing a read operation to avoid conflicts with other transactions that are holding incompatible locks on the same data range.

Why Does LCK_M_RS_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS Happen?

Several factors can contribute to LCK_M_RS_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS waits, including:

• Long-running transactions holding locks on the same data range.
• High contention for tables, partitions, or indexes involved in the operation.
• Queries with inefficient execution plans causing prolonged lock durations.
• Concurrency issues during peak usage times leading to overlapping operations.
• Heavy workloads involving a mix of read and write operations on the same data range.

Identifying and addressing these factors can help reduce contention and improve system responsiveness.

How to Monitor LCK_M_RS_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS Waits

Monitoring LCK_M_RS_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS waits is essential to understanding their impact and resolving their causes. The Database Health Monitor is a reliable tool for tracking this wait type. Its Historic Waits Monitoring feature enables you to analyze when these waits occur, their duration, and their effect on overall performance.

Using Database Health Monitor, you can identify patterns in these waits and determine whether they are caused by blocking chains, inefficient queries, or resource contention. This insight allows you to take targeted corrective actions to optimize your SQL Server environment.

What Can You Do About LCK_M_RS_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS Waits?

If you notice frequent or prolonged LCK_M_RS_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS waits, consider these strategies:

• Analyze and resolve blocking chains using tools like Extended Events or Activity Monitor to address conflicting transactions.
• Optimize queries to reduce execution time and minimize lock durations.
• Design indexes to reduce contention on frequently accessed data ranges.
• Partition large tables to limit the scope of range-based locks and reduce conflicts.
• Break long-running read operations into smaller, more manageable tasks to lower blocking potential.
• Adjust transaction isolation levels to balance concurrency and consistency requirements based on your workload.
• Schedule range-based operations, such as intensive reads, during off-peak hours to minimize conflicts with high-priority workloads.

Implementing these best practices can help reduce blocking and improve the overall efficiency of your SQL Server environment.

Why Use Database Health Monitor?

The Database Health Monitor is a powerful tool for tracking SQL Server wait types, including LCK_M_RS_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 ensure your SQL Server environment operates efficiently and reliably.

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

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Applies to

Related Waits

See Also

• More About LCK_M_RS_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS