Steadybit logoReliability Hub
GitHubGitHub iconStart Free Trial
Steadybit logoReliability Hub

Limit Network Threads

AttackAttack
Reduce the broker's num.network.threads to limit its ability to process network requests from clients
Targets:
Kafka Brokers
Install now

Limit Network Threads

Reduce the broker's num.network.threads to limit its ability to process network requests from clients
AttackAttack
Install now

Limit Network Threads

AttackAttack
Reduce the broker's num.network.threads to limit its ability to process network requests from clients
Install now

Limit Network Threads

Reduce the broker's num.network.threads to limit its ability to process network requests from clients
AttackAttack
Install now
Go back to list
The action "Limit Network Threads" within the experiment editor.The action "Limit Network Threads" within the experiment editor.

Introduction

Dynamically modifies the broker's num.network.threads configuration to reduce the number of threads available for processing network requests. This limits the broker's ability to accept and process requests from producers and consumers. The original value is automatically restored when the attack ends.

Details

Kafka restricts large changes to its current configuration. If the requested number of network threads falls outside the permissible range, the extension applies intermediate adjustments incrementally until the target value is achieved.

Use Cases

  • Reduce network threads to simulate a broker under heavy network load and test client timeout/retry behavior.
  • Verify that producers and consumers handle degraded broker responsiveness without data loss.

Parameters

ParameterDescriptionDefault
DurationHow long the configuration change stays in effect. The original num.network.threads value is automatically restored when the duration expires.60s
Number of Network ThreadsThe target number of network threads per broker. Set to a low value (e.g., 1) to severely limit the broker's network request processing capacity. The original value is restored at the end of the attack. The change may be applied incrementally if Kafka's permissible range requires it.

More Kafka Broker Actions

See all
Check Brokers
Monitor broker-level changes such as controller elections and broker downtime during an experiment
CheckCheck
Kafka Brokers
Start Using Steadybit Today

Get started with Steadybit, and you’ll get access to all of our features to discover the full power of Steadybit. Available for SaaS and on-prem!

Are you unsure where to begin?

No worries, our reliability experts are here to help: book a demo with them!

Statistics
-Stars
Tags
Message Queue
Kafka
AWS
Homepage
hub.steadybit.com/extension/com.steadybit.extension_kafka
License
MIT
MaintainerSteadybit
Install now
Steadybit logoReliability Hub
Start Free Trial
© 2026 Steadybit GmbH. All rights reserved.
Twitter iconLinkedIn iconGitHub icon