Host headers on BigIP rather than IIS

The F5 LTM doesn't care about Host Headers. It only cares about the Port.

 

 

Look at it like this. You use the iRules to shape the Traffic to the Pools.

 

 

http://www.website.com/subcontent/index.html

 

 

If TCP Port == 80

 

Do something

 

 

If [HTTP::host] equals "www.website.com"

 

Do something (HTTP::Redirect or pool Pool-www.website.com-80)

 

 

If [HTTP::uri] equals "/subcontent/index.html"

 

Do something (HTTP::uri "/subcontent/index.asp" or pool Pool-www.website.com-80)

 

 

All of the iRule processing allows you to shape or change the traffic, but when it comes to the server, it only cares about what is configured in the Pool:

 

 

10.10.10.10 - Port 80

 

20.20.20.20 - Port 80

 

etc...

 

 

With the Senario that you have given you could use a single Virtual Server and a Single Pool to handle all 40 websites (Because they all exist on the same server and port). The LTM won't help you do what it is your wanting.

 

 

A solution to your problem (this is what I do on my IIS Servers) is to get rid of Host Headers by running your websites on Non-Standard Ports (Example: Port 5050). It removes the need for Host Headers, prevents the need for additional IP Addresses being wasted, and makes things easier to manage (in my opinion).

 

 

Hope this Helps.