sap system issue analysis by kernel snapshot analyzer tool

[anikesh_jyotishi2]

Overview

In this blog post, I've detailed the process of utilizing the SAP Kernel Snapshot Analyzer tool through the examination of server snapshots.

DISCLAIMER

The content of this blog post is provided “AS IS”. This information could contain technical inaccuracies, typographical errors, and out-of-date information. This document may be updated or changed without notice at any time. Use of the information is therefore at your own risk. In no event shall SAP be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from or related to the use of this document.

Purpose           

This tool can be used for troubleshooting server issue kernel-related issues.

Mainly tool used for dispatcher scheduler information, queue statistics, work process table, session table, work process call stacks, PROC memory consumption, and the root cause analysis for SAP Kernel-related issues.

Prerequisites

SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP is a feature available from SAP Kernel 740.

The application server can be configured to automatically or manually generate a dump of critical information when the system encounters abnormal situations, such as handling requests without progress. This dump includes vital details about the server's state and processes at the time of the incident.

SAP Kernel snapshot analysis steps: –

• Generate snapshot
• Download snapshot
• Download kernel analyzer
• Upload snapshot and generate kernel snapshot analysis report

Generate snapshot:-

SAP system snapshot can automatically be generated when WP unexpectedly finished, hard shutdown, exhausted resources, lack of WP, etc.

Manually generate snapshots via SAP GUI and via OS.

Snapshot generated via SAP GUI

SAP transaction: SM50 -> Administration->Snapshot -> Create

OS level generates snapshots

Run demon from OS and follow the below command to create the snapshot

m - menu -> p - work-process-adm-table -> e - create snapshot

Download snapshot

You can obtain the snapshot file from the SAP system, which is a compressed archive containing ample application server information for analysis. You can utilize the following method to download snapshot files:

SM50 -> Administration->Snapshot -> Administration

Select the snapshot and download it into Dashtop

You can download the snapshot files directly from the operating system

OS snapshot path:-  /usr/sap/<System ID>/SYS/global/sapcontrol/snapshots/

Download kernel analyzer

The Kernel Snapshot Analyzer is a specialized tool crafted for diagnosing abnormal behaviors within system snapshots. These snapshots can be sourced from the snapshot file or the work directory (developer traces) of the SAP system.

Before proceeding with the analysis, ensure that your system has the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) installed correctly. It's recommended to have at least JRE7 available.

To utilize the Kernel Snapshot Analyzer, follow these steps:

1. Download the executable file KernelSnapshotAnalyzer.jar.
2. Also, acquire the introduction slides for guidance.
3. Once downloaded, run the KernelSnapshotAnalyzer.jar file on your local machine.

By running this tool, you can efficiently diagnose and address any anomalies present within the server snapshots, thereby ensuring optimal performance and stability of your SAP system.

Download the tool from the below link:-

Download kernel snapshot analyzer

Upload snapshot and generate kernel snapshot analysis report:-

Run KernelSnapshotAnalyzer.jar and upload the downloaded snapshot into the tool  

Like below:-

Run analysis report:- it will generate an XML report like below

C-call stacks for all types of work processes:

Detailed analysis available for all below points

Reference SAP Notes:-

 2640476 - How to analyze Server Snapshot with kernel snapshot analyzer.

 3110588 - Kernel Snapshot Analyzer: Central KBA

Advantages:-

•     Helpful for troubleshooting unexpected shutdown
•     Help for Call stacks related to all snapshot DIA processes
•     Kernel parameters details and corrections if needed

I hope this document will help you with the sap kernel snapshot analyzer tool.

Cheers!

Anikesh Jyotishi