Fast Recovery Area (FRA)

The Fast Recovery Area (FRA) is a unified storage location for all recovery related files and activities in an Oracle database. By defining one init.ora parameter, all RMAN backups, archive logs, control file auto backups, and datafile copies are automatically written to a specified files system

The size of this area is set to a very modest size (2 – 6GB) in this installation. Depending on how you intend to use this area you have to resize it.

- DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST_SIZE (specifies max space to use)

- DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST(Location)

Sizing the Fast Recovery Area

Oracle recommends that the Fast Recovery Area should be sized large enough to include all files required for backup and recovery. However, if insufficient disk space is available, Oracle recommends that it is sized at least large enough to contain any archived redo logs that have not yet been backed up to alternate media.

Setting up the Fast Recovery Area

Activation of the Fast Recovery Area is done by specifying values for two additional initialization parameters:

DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST_SIZE specifies the total size of all files that can be stored in the Flash Recovery Area. Note that Oracle recommends setting this value first.

DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST specifies the physical disk location where the Flashback Recovery Area will be stored. Oracle recommends that this be a separate location from the database's data files, control files, and redo logs.

Read more about FRA in Oracle Database Administrator's Guide 11g Release 2 (11.2), or 12c Release 1 (12.1).