F5 Networks Troubleshooting BIG-IP

This course gives networking professionals hands-on knowledge of how to troubleshoot a BIG-IP system using a number of troubleshooting techniques as well as troubleshooting and system tools. This course includes lectures, labs, and discussions.

Module 1: Setting Up the BIG-IP System

• Introducing the BIG-IP System
• Initially Setting Up the BIG-IP System
• Archiving the BIG-IP System Configuration

Module 2: Reviewing Local Traffic Configuration

• Reviewing Nodes, Pools, and Virtual Servers
• Reviewing Address Translation
• Reviewing Routing Assumptions
• Reviewing Application Health Monitoring
• Reviewing Traffic Behavior Modification with Profiles
• Reviewing the TMOS Shell (TMSH)
• Reviewing Managing BIG-IP Configuration Data
• Reviewing High Availability (HA)

Module 3: Troubleshooting Methodology

• Step-By-Step Process
• Step 1: State the Problem
• Step 2: Specify the Problem
• Step 3: Map the System
• Step 4: Develop Possible Causes
• Step 5: Test Theories
• Step 6: Iterate Until Root Cause Identified
• Documenting a Problem
• Putting Troubleshooting Steps to Use

Module 4: Working with F5 Support

• Leveraging F5 Support Resources
• AskF5.com
• DevCentral
• iHealth
• Leveraging F5 Labs
• Working with F5 Technical Support
• Running End User Diagnostics (EUD) - Hardware Only
• New Platform Diagnostic Tools
• Always-On Management (AOM) Subsystem
• Requesting Return Materials Authorization
• F5 s Software Version Policy
• Managing the BIG-IP License for Upgrades
• Managing BIG-IP Disk Space
• Upgrading BIG-IP Software

Module 5: Troubleshooting Bottom to Top

• Introducing Differences between BIG-IP and LINUX Tools
• Troubleshooting with Layer 1/Layer 2 Tools
• Troubleshooting with Layer 2/Layer 3 Tools
• Troubleshooting with Layer 3 Tools
• Troubleshooting with LINUX Tools
• Troubleshooting Memory and CPU
• Troubleshooting with watch
• Troubleshooting with Additional tmsh commands

Module 6: Troubleshooting Tools

• tcpdump
• Wireshark
• ssldump
• Fiddler
• diff
• KDiff3
• cURL

Module 7: Using System Logs

• Configuring Logging
• Log Files
• Understanding BIG-IP Daemons Functions
• Triggering an iRule
• Deploying and Testing iRules
• Application Visibility and Reporting

Module 8: Troubleshooting Lab Projects

• Network Configurations for Project

Administering BIG-IP, OSI model, TCP/IP addressing and routing, WAN, LAN environments, and server redundancy concepts; or having achieved TMOS Administration Certification.

This course assumes that you have successfully completed the Administering BIG-IP course, or equivalent, and have hands-on experience working in a production BIG-IP environment for several months. You should have a solid understanding of the environment in which the BIG-IP is deployed. This course is meant for BIG-IP administrators, network engineers, applications engineers, etc., who will be responsible for troubleshooting problems associated with their BIG-IP system.