Setting up a secured site using SSL is a chore, so be sure to budget some time for this task. The architecture requires the use of redirection and no fewer than three sets of filters across three disparate VLANs. The filters are needed for internal redirection between the client port(s), real server groups and the SSL blade. An additional filter set on the client port is required if you want clear text requests from clients to be redirected to a secure port. I much prefer the single-click options available in the competing products. And though all products require the same effort in terms of setting up certificates, most of the competitors allow you this level of redirection by simply checking a box within the Web console. Although filters and rules are employed by the competition, the complexity of such a subsystem is hidden from the user.
The 2424 can be deployed in a redundant configuration and uses VRRP (Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol) with optional HSRP (Hot Standby Routing Protocol) to provide failover capabilities. Bandwidth management is also an option, with up to 256 available "contacts" (policies) and the ability to apply them to ports, VLANs and virtual servers.
With a list price of $31,995 (as tested), the Alteon 2424 delivers value for the dollar. Its price point is lower than competitor F5 Networks', and with nearly twice the performance, the 2424 should be on your shortlist of content switches to evaluate when shopping for a load-balancing solution.
Lori MacVittie is a Network Computing technology editor working in our Green Bay, Wis., labs. Write to her at [email protected].
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