Oracle Database Discussions

Hi.

I am going to change the SQLNET.EXPIRE_TIME setting to 10 minutes.

Oracle docs explain that:

SQLNET.EXPIRE_TIME setting. If we set this to 10 minutes, Oracle will check for dead connections and ensure that the server processes tied to those connections are terminated. This ensures that connections are not left open indefinitely. If the probe finds a terminated connection, or a connection that is no longer in use, it returns an error, causing the server process to exit.

My only doubt regarding this is what the meaning of "connection no longer in use" might be: what would happen if we had (which we do) a machine that is connected, but not working for hours on end, then suddenly does some processing?

How does Oracle decide if a connection is "in use" ? If it is connected, or if there is ongoing work.

Thank you,

DA.