In this blog post, we talk about the basic function and features of the Tungsten Connector.

The Tungsten Connector is an intelligent MySQL proxy that provides key high-availability and read-scaling features. This includes the ability to route MySQL queries by inspecting them in-flight.

Connector Basics Understanding the Two Key Features

The most important function of the Connector is failover handling. When the cluster detects a failed master because the MySQL server port is no longer reachable, the Connectors are signaled and traffic is re-routed to the newly-elected Master node.

Next is the ability to route MySQL read-only queries to a slave (or the master, if no slave is …

Overview The Skinny

In this blog post we explore various options for tuning MySQL traffic routing in the Tungsten Connector for better control of the distribution.

A Tungsten Cluster relies upon the Tungsten Connector to route client requests to the master node or optionally to the slaves. The Connector makes decisions about where to route requests based on a number of factors.

This blog post will focus on the Load Balancer algorithms available via configuration that allow you to adjust the routing behavior of the Connector, along with ways to debug the Connector Load Balancer’s routing decisions.

The Question Recently, a customer asked us:

How do I know which load balancer algorithm is in use by the Connector? And how do we enable debug logging for the Connector load balancer?

As hinted at earlier this month, we’re happy to announce our latest on-demand webinar:
“An Introduction to Database Proxies (for MySQL)”

In this webinar, Gilles Rayrat, our VP of Engineering and database proxies guru, shares some of his knowledge on the world of database proxies, how they work, why they’re important and what to use them for.

Starting with a simple database connectivity scenario, Gilles builds up the content by discussing clustered databases and what happens in the case of a failure through to explaining the important role database proxies play; including a more in-depth look into some advanced database connectivity setups and proxies functionalities.
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A database proxy is a wonderful tool that is able to provide significant functionality across various use cases. For example, a seamless master role switch to another node for maintenance; transparency with read and write connections; or providing automatic, intelligent database load balancing.

In the MySQL world, these proxies provide a single entry point into MySQL databases for the calling client applications. Or put differently, the proxy is a middle layer sitting between a MySQL database and an application. The application connects to a proxy, which then forwards connections into the database.

Good proxies make MySQL database clusters appear like single databases by hiding the “behind-the-scenes-plumbing” from the application. One …