Oracle Database Discussions

Hi,

Before I start; let me state it clear: If I had a choice to refuse shared server, then I would. But I am under pressure of management and other limitations. Therefore I have no option but to use shared server.

The current situation is: We use dedicated connections and plan to convert it to shared servers. There is a firewall between application server and database. This firewall only allows to some predetermined ports (such as 1521). We want to learn if we will be affected by firewall if we use shared server structure. When we use "lsnrctl services" we see that dispatcher ports are assigned automatically. (And these port numbers are between 40.000 and 50.000)

I want to be sure about how listener works. As we think, there can be two scenarios:

1. When a user connects to database, it only works with listener. Listener is the bridge between user and client. Therefore dynamically assigned port number to dispatcher is not important. And firewall will not be an issue. Because user can access listener and listener is the servant between dispatcher and client. (So no change is needed for firewall.)

2. Dispatcher's port is very important. Because after user is connected to the listener, user is assigned to a dispatcher and user is connected to database through that dispatcher's port. (Therefore we have to make changes in firewall.)

Which scenario is true? Do we have to change our firewall configuration?

Thanks for the all support...
Cagatay

BTW, I know it is possible to assign static port numbers to dispatchers. But if it is possible to use shared server without changing dispatcher settings, we would prefer this. (Without changing dynamic port behave of dispatcher.)