Is there any max outbound payload size for REST and SOAP requests from ServiceNow?

Suggy
Giga Sage

I wanted to know is there anything like, 'This is the maximum payload size that ServiceNow can send via REST or SOAP?'

 

PS - I did come across docs - https://www.servicenow.com/docs/bundle/xanadu-build-workflows/page/administer/flow-designer/referenc...

and many community posts and all were referring to below properties

  • REST: glide.pf.rest.response_payload_max_size
  • SOAP: glide.pf.soap.response_payload_max_size

 

but Docs says those properties are for "response size limits"

 

My question - is that limit specifying the max. size limit for sending response from SErviceNOw or will it also apply for size limit when it comes to outbound call made by SErvicenow to external tool using POST method for example?

4 REPLIES 4

neetusingh
Giga Guru

The properties you mentioned (glide.pf.rest.response_payload_max_size and glide.pf.soap.response_payload_max_size) are specifically meant to control the size of responses that ServiceNow sends back for incoming REST or SOAP requests.

 

Do these limits apply to outbound calls?

No, these limits only govern how large the response from ServiceNow can be when someone calls into it. They don’t apply to outbound requests that ServiceNow makes to other systems (like a POST request to an external tool).

For outbound calls, there isn’t a specific size limit property in ServiceNow. However:

  • The size of the payload depends on how much data you’re sending.
  • Limits may arise due to ServiceNow’s overall system capacity, network constraints, or restrictions from the external system you’re calling.

What should you keep in mind for outbound calls?

  • Keep it optimized: Try to send only the necessary data and avoid bloated payloads. If you’re dealing with large datasets, consider breaking it into smaller chunks or using pagination.
  • Check the receiving system: Make sure the external system you’re calling can handle the payload size you’re sending. Some systems have limits, and they might return errors like 413 Request Entity Too Large if the payload is too big.
  • Monitor and test: Keep an eye on logs to detect any issues with outbound calls, and test thoroughly to see if payload size causes any problems.

If you’re dealing with very large payloads often, it might be worth exploring ways to compress the data or send it in parts to ensure smooth communication between systems.

 


@neetusingh wrote:

Do these limits apply to outbound calls?

No, these limits only govern how large the response from ServiceNow can be when someone calls into it. They don’t apply to outbound requests that ServiceNow makes to other systems (like a POST request to an external tool).

@neetusingh Thanks for replying. I am kind of surprised to read that. Can I have the source of this info? Is it officially documented in docs or knowledge articles or anywhere?

Suggy
Giga Sage

Is there anyone who is aware of this topic?

Suggy
Giga Sage

Anyone is aware of this?