---
title:  Configuring Pools
---

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A pool can be configured as locators or as a list of servers.

You configure locator, server, and pool settings declaratively in the client's `cache.xml` file or programmatically through the `PoolFactory` method. You create an instance of `PoolFactory` through `PoolManager`.

-   **[Native Client Pool API](client-pool-api.html)**

    The native client API allows your clients to create and manage connection pools. The server side does not have an API.

-   **[Pool Configuration Example and Settings](configuring-pools-attributes-example.html)**

    Connection pools require standard client/server distributed system and cache configuration settings. You must also configure settings for the locator, server, and pool elements.

-   **[Subscription Properties](subscription-properties.html)**

    Each connection pool has a single subscription connection that can be to any server that matches the requirements of the connection pool.