Oracle Database Rolling Pathing Strategy Standby First and RAC nodes

The Oracle Database Rolling Pathing Strategy Standby First and RAC nodes are used to upgrade Oracle Database instances in a clustered environment. This strategy involves upgrading the standby database first before upgrading the primary database. Once the standby database is upgraded and tested, it can be switched over to become the primary database while the original primary database is upgraded. The same strategy can be applied to individual nodes in a RAC (Real Application Clusters) environment. One node is taken offline, upgraded, and tested before reintroducing into the cluster. This process is repeated for all nodes in the cluster until all nodes have been upgraded. This strategy ensures that a functioning database is always available during the upgrade process and minimizes the risk of downtime or data loss. It also allows for a more efficient upgrade process as individual components can be upgraded and tested independently before reintegrating into the more extensive system.

The Oracle Database Rolling Patch Strategy involves both Standby databases and RAC (Real Application Clusters) nodes. It is a bit complex but highly effective in minimizing downtime. Here's a general approach for implementing a rolling patch strategy with these components:

Prerequisites:

• Oracle RAC: Multiple instances access a shared database.
• Data Guard: A standby database configured for disaster recovery and high availability.

Rolling Patch Strategy Steps:

1. Preparation:
2. Patch the Standby First:
3. Switchover:
4. Patch Original Primary (Now Standby):
5. Update RAC Nodes:
6. Final Switchback or Validation:
7. Post-Patching:

Key Points to Remember:

• Testing: Always test patches in a non-production environment that mirrors your production setup as closely as possible.
• Compatibility: Ensure all components (RAC, Data Guard, application software) are compatible with the patch.
• Downtime: Even though this strategy minimizes downtime, there might be brief periods during switchovers when service is impacted.

This strategy leverages Oracle's high availability features to ensure the database remains available for applications with minimal downtime during patching. However, the exact steps might vary based on specific Oracle versions, patch types, and your environment's unique configuration. Refer to Oracle's official documentation for the most precise guidance tailored to your version and setup.