Mar 10, 2014
Web sockets in 11.4
Hi guys!
Been getting more requests regarding Web sockets from our developers. The way I've understood it is that the client will send a request to the LB over HTTP, the lb will choose a server and then the server will reply with a request to start a WS session. This should mean that the F5 can still chose pools with the host header information unless the host changes in mid session, right?
I tried to summarize the pros and cons in a list but would like to verify it with you guys (and perhaps get some additions?).
Updated pros and cons according to answers (albeit a bit late):
Pros:
- Faster
- Full duplex
- Minimal overhead
Cons:
- Less secure (anything can be hidden in the session)
- Lack of headers makes content scanning less reliable via our IPS
- No profiles in the load balancers means no intelligent iRules in terms of caching, redirects, uri rewriting
- Less intelligent load distribution
/Patrik