SPLK-1002 Advanced Searching and Statistics Practice Question
A search uses `transaction maxspan=30s maxpause=5s`. Events are sorted by _time. If there is a gap of 10 seconds between two events, what happens?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse `maxpause` with `maxspan`, mistakenly thinking that as long as the total duration is under `maxspan`, any gap is acceptable, when in fact `maxpause` enforces a strict per-gap limit that can split transactions independently.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
They are split into separate transactions because the gap exceeds maxpause.
The `maxpause` parameter in the `transaction` command defines the maximum allowed gap between consecutive events within the same transaction. Since the gap of 10 seconds exceeds the `maxpause=5s`, the events are split into separate transactions, regardless of the `maxspan=30s` limit. The `maxspan` only sets an upper bound on the total duration of the transaction from the first to the last event, but it does not override the pause-based splitting logic.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
They are merged because maxpause is 5s but maxspan is 30s, so the 10s gap is within maxspan.
Why it's wrong here
The gap exceeds maxpause, so the events are not merged regardless of maxspan.
- ✗
They are considered part of the same transaction as long as total span ≤ 30s.
Why it's wrong here
`maxpause` is evaluated first; if the gap exceeds `maxpause`, a new transaction starts.
- ✗
They are split only if the total span exceeds maxspan.
Why it's wrong here
`maxspan` limits total duration, but `maxpause` controls gaps; a gap exceeding maxpause causes a split.
- ✓
They are split into separate transactions because the gap exceeds maxpause.
Why this is correct
A gap of 10s exceeds the 5s maxpause, so a new transaction begins.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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