To increase the value, open `/etc/mysql.cnf` in a text editor and add search for `max_allowed_packet`. Set the value to `16M` or larger.
If it does not exist, add it before `[mysqld_safe]`.
Save your changes to `mysql.cnf`, close the text editor, and restart MySQL (`service mysqld restart`).
To optionally verify the value you set, enter the following command at a `mysql>` prompt:
SHOW VARIABLES LIKE 'max_allowed_packet';