HCP Vault cluster snapshot size thresholds

To ensure cluster stability, performance, and reliability, HCP Vault Dedicated defines snapshot size thresholds for each cluster tier and size combination.

As you increase usage of Vault resources, such as the key/value v2 (KV v2) secrets engine, internal storage utilization and snapshot size increase. Each tier and size combination supports a specific workload scale.

When snapshot size grows beyond supported boundaries, cluster load increases and internal operations can slow down or fail.

Threshold levels

Each tier and size combination has two snapshot size thresholds.

Warning threshold

The warning threshold indicates that your cluster is approaching capacity limits.

• The cluster may continue to function.
• Performance degradation may begin.
• Internal operations may slow down.
• HCP sends an email when the warning threshold is breached.
• HCP sends another email if usage continues to increase before the critical threshold is breached.
• Reevaluate and redesign your usage patterns for Vault resources.

Critical threshold

The critical threshold represents the maximum supported capacity.

• Cluster stability is at risk.
• Critical internal operations may fail.
• HCP sends an email when the critical threshold is breached.
• Backend safeguards may be triggered.
• Some operations may be restricted, throttled, or blocked.

Monitor snapshot size growth

Snapshot size is the primary indicator of cluster load and health. Monitor snapshot size and keep it within the threshold for your cluster tier and size.

Snapshot size growth can be viewed from HCP Vault dashboard under the snapshots tab in the HCP Portal.