Paging utilization - Tricks

If the paging space utilization remains consistently high (for example, above normal levels) for more than 3 days, you can use the following method to reduce it.

Check Current Paging Utilization

server1:/root # lsps -s

Total Paging Space   Percent Used

      21312MB               28%

Reduce Paging Utilization

Run the following command to decrease the paging space by 1 physical partition (PP):

server1:/root # chps -d 1 paging00

This command will:

• Create a temporary paging space (paging01)

• Move data or reduce usage from the existing paging space

• Recreate the original paging space (paging00) with a smaller size

⚠️ Important:
This process temporarily doubles the required paging space (≈28% × 2).
If there isn’t enough free disk space to accommodate this, do not run the command.

🔹 Explanation

By reducing 1 PP:

• A temporary paging space is created

• Data is moved or swapped

• Utilization drops to around 1–2%

After utilization decreases, you can add the partition back:
server1:/root # chps -s 1 paging00

Then verify again:

server1:/root # lsps -s
Total Paging Space   Percent Used
      21376MB               1%

⚠️ Note
Never attempt this method if your paging space usage exceeds 50%, as it may cause system instability or paging failures.