10

Per-connection Routing

Per-connection routing

In situations where the BIG-IP Controller accepts connections for virtual servers from more than one router, you can send the return data back through the same device from which the connection originated. You can use this option to spread the load among outbound routers, or to ensure that connections go through the same device if that device is connection-oriented, such as a proxy, cache, firewall, or VPN router.

To set up last hop pools, define a list of routers as a pool from which the BIG-IP Controller receives packets. For information about creating a pool, see Defining pools, on XREF. The BIG-IP Controller determines the MAC address of the routers when you define the pool. Then the pool is associated with the virtual server by using the lasthop keyword to specify the last hop pool for the virtual server. When a packet arrives for the virtual server, the MAC address that the packet came from is matched up with the MAC address of the members of the last hop pool. The IP address of the matching member is stored with the connection as the last hop address. Then, connections coming from nodes and heading out towards the client are routed to the router with that last hop address, instead of to the default route.

Note: The packets must come from a member of the last hop pool or they are rejected.

To configure last hop pools for virtual servers from the command line

Use the following syntax to configure last hop pools for virtual servers:

bigpipe vip <vip>:<port> lasthop pool <pool_name>

For example, you might use the following command:

bigpipe vip 192.168.1.10:80 lasthop pool secure_routers

To configure last hop pools for virtual servers in the Configuration utility

Before you follow this procedure, you must configure at least one pool (for your routers or firewalls) and one virtual server that references the pool.

1. In the navigation pane, click Virtual Servers.
   The Virtual Servers screen opens.
   
   
2. In the virtual server list, click the virtual server for which you want to set up a last hop pool.
   The properties screen for the virtual server you clicked opens.
   
   
3. Click the Last Hop Pool list. Select the pool you created containing your routers.
   
   
4. Click the Apply button.