F5 Networks Configuring BIG-IP LTM: Local Traffic Manager

This course gives network professionals a functional understanding of BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager, introducing students to both commonly used and advanced BIG-IP LTM features and functionality. Incorporating lecture, extensive hands-on labs, and classroom discussion, the course helps students build the well-rounded skill set needed to manage BIG-IP LTM systems as part of a flexible and high performance application delivery network.

Lesson 1 : Setting Up the BIG-IP System

• Introducing the BIG-IP System
• Initially Setting Up the BIG-IP System
• Archiving the BIG-IP Configuration
• Leveraging F5 Support Resources and Tools

Lesson 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

Lesson 3 : Load Balancing Traffic with LTM

• Exploring Load Balancing Options
• Using Priority Group Activation and Fallback Host
• Comparing Member and Node Load Balancing

Lesson 4 : Modifying Traffic Behavior with Persistence

• Reviewing Persistence
• Introducing Cookie Persistence
• Introducing SSL Persistence
• Introducing SIP Persistence
• Introducing Universal Persistence
• Introducing Destination Address Affinity Persistence
• Using Match Across Options for Persistence

Lesson 5 : Monitoring Application Health

• Differentiating Monitor Types
• Customizing the HTTP Monitor
• Monitoring an Alias Address and Port
• Monitoring a Path vs. Monitoring a Device
• Managing Multiple Monitors
• Using Application Check Monitors
• Using Manual Resume and Advanced Monitor Timer Settings

Lesson 6 : Processing Traffic with Virtual Servers

• Understanding the Need for Other Virtual Server Types
• Forwarding Traffic with a Virtual Server
• Understanding Virtual Server Order of Precedence
• Path Load Balancing

Lesson 7 : Processing Traffic with SNATs

• Overview of SNATs
• Using SNAT Pools
• SNATs as Listeners
• SNAT Specificity
• VIP Bounceback
• Additional SNAT Options
• Network Packet Processing Review
• Lesson 8 : Modifying Traffic Behavior with Profiles
• Profiles Overview
• TCP Express Optimization
• TCP Profiles Overview
• HTTP Profile Options
• OneConnect
• Offloading HTTP Compression to BIG-IP
• HTTP Caching
• Stream Profiles
• F5 Acceleration Technologies

Lesson 9 : Selected Topics

• VLAN, VLAN Tagging, and Trunking
• Restricting Network Access
• SNMP Features
• Segmenting Network Traffic with Route Domains

Lesson 10 : Deploying Application Services with iApps

• Simplifying Application Deployment with iApps
• Using iApps Templates
• Deploying an Application Service
• Leveraging the iApps Ecosystem on DevCentral

Lesson 11 : Customizing Application Delivery with iRules and Local Traffic Policies

• Getting Started with iRules
• Triggering an iRule
• Introducing iRule Constructs
• Leveraging the DevCentral Ecosystem
• Deploying and Testing iRules
• Getting Started with Local Traffic Policies
• What Can You Do with a Local Traffic Policy?
• How Does a Local Traffic Policy Work?
• Understanding Local Traffic Policy Workflow
• Introducing the Elements of a Local Traffic Policy
• Specifying the Matching Strategy
• What Are Rules?
• Understanding Requires and Controls
• Configuring and Managing Policy Rules
• Configuring a New Rule
• Including Tcl in Certain Rule Settings

Lesson 12 : Securing Application Delivery with LTM

• Understanding Today s Threat Landscape
• Integrating LTM Into Your Security Strategy
• Defending Your Environment Against SYN Flood Attacks
• Defending Your Environment Against Other Volumetric Attacks
• Addressing Application Vulnerabilities with iRules and Local Traffic Policies

Lesson 13 : Final Lab Project

• About the Final Lab Project
• Possible Solution to Lab 14.0

You must complete one of the following:

• Administering BIG-IP v12
• BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM) Essentials
• Achieve F5 Certified BIG-IP Administrator certification

You should understand:

• TCP/IP Addressing and Routing including the Address Resolution Protocol, Direct and Indirect Routing, and TCP Handshakes
• Command Line Configuration
• Common elements of and differences between WAN and LAN components
• Fundamental programming concepts

In addition, you should be proficient in:

• The Linux File System
• PICO editor or VI editor
• The TCPDUMP program

This course is intended for system and network administrators responsible for installation, setup, configuration, and administration of the BIG-IP LTM system.