We have two instances on two different machines, both on the same local subnet (in fact, physically next to each other). We have created db links from one to the other, but they are exceptionally slow, i.e. doing sql using a local table runs orders of magnitude faster than the doing the same sql against table@dblink. The network, etc. don't appear to be the problem (same subnet, 100MB+ link between the two, etc.).

Ignoring the network for a moment (yes, I know <g>), is there something in Oracle itself that can make a difference in how fast a database link works? Does the protocol used between the two instances matter? (right now it's TCP, but I've been told that IPC might be faster)

Thanks,

Vince