Monitoring SQL server performance with Paessler PRTG

Published by Patrick Gebhardt
Last updated on January 23, 2024 • 5 minute read

SQL performance is measured by how efficiently and quickly SQL queries can perform the required function. It can be assessed by the time it takes to complete the operation and whether the output of the operation matches the expected requirements. Ongoing evaluation of SQL server performance helps to minimize response times and maximize throughput, which results in optimal performance. You need to analyze the application requirements, understand the physical structure of the data, and assess database usage. There are always various ways to improve SQL performance!

monitoring sql server performance with prtg
There are quite a few ways how you can improve SQL perfomance
  • You could use a set-based query instead of a cursor-based query
  • It’s recommended to avoid multiple joins in a single query
  • You should use indexes efficiently

Being able to successfully execute SQL performance tuning is a vital skill for any company that relies on databases. PRTG can measure the time an SQL query needs for its entire request, including the establishment of the connection, the execution of the query, the handling of the transaction, and the termination of the connection. Execution times are shown on your PRTG dashboard. You can also monitor and process your query's return values.

PRTG comes with preconfigured sensors for all major databases, such as Microsoft SQL and Oracle SQL, which are often used by larger companies, as well as MySQL and PostgreSQL.

iWait, what? 🤨 In PRTG, "sensors" are the basic monitoring elements. One sensor usually monitors one measured value in your network, e.g. the traffic of a switch port, the CPU load of a server, the free space of a disk drive. So on average you need about 5-10 sensors per server or one sensor per switch port.

 

Sometimes, the problem lies somewhere other than in the SQL database. PRTG lets you monitor your entire network: Servers, routers, and switches. You get one centralized monitoring tool for everything and always know what’s going on.

Discover the PRTG sensors for SQL server performance monitoring

Monitoring SQL servers with PRTG is simple and convenient as PRTG provides a selection of preconfigured sensors:

  • Microsoft SQL: Microsoft's database solution is used very often, both by corporate groups and medium-sized companies. For Microsoft SQL, PRTG offers the Microsoft SQL v2 Sensor.
  • Oracle SQL: Oracle is used mostly by larger companies. For Oracle, PRTG features the Oracle SQL v2 Sensor.
  • MySQL: MySQL is an open-source application, used by websites, as well as by small and medium-sized companies. For MySQL, there’s the MySQL v2 Sensor.
  • PostgreSQL: PostgreSQL is also an open-source database system. We offer the PRTG PostgreSQL Sensor to monitor a system of this kind.
  • More databases: If you use a database that is not listed above, you should try our ADO SQL v2 Sensor. This sensor can monitor any data source made available via OLE DB or ODBC. That means you can also use it to monitor your cloud database if other sensor types are inappropriate for doing so.

There are more sensors in PRTG than you will ever need. In the field of SQL server performance monitoring, we cover all the usual application needs with our sensors, which enable easy but very detailed and powerful monitoring.

🎉🥳 Have a look at our list of sensors, and if there are any questions on your mind right now, write us. We are friendly folks.

IT Insights Server Performance Technology SQL MySQL PostgreSQL