Edge to Pulse: IP Geolocation Database Migration

UPDATE (August 2023): 

Previously, we announced the end of support of the Edge legacy database. However, support for the Edge database has been extended indefinitely. All supported versions of F5 BIG-IP can now use both types of IP geolocation databases: Edge and Pulse, provided by Digital Envoy.

The Edge database is based off of partner-supplied data gathered from IP traffic. The Pulse database relies on information derived from mobile devices and Wi-Fi connection points, increasing the accuracy for certain aspects, but also significantly increasing file size. Because of this, F5 does not support City level for the Pulse database.

 

Last month, F5’s BIG-IP DNS team released the new, Pulse database from our third-party vendor, Digital Envoy. F5 migrated its IP geolocation database from the Edge database to the Pulse database because Pulse provides a higher number of available subnets. This allows for improved geolocation accuracy for querying IP addresses.

Because Pulse captures more granular data of locations than Edge, it is larger than the Edge database. This installation update may take longer than expected after the migration due to the size of the database.

As with any infrastructure shift, there are a few important things to know:

  • This migration applies to all supported BIG-IP versions and is transparent to users
  • If using City Database from Digital Envoy, then please follow the KB article before installing the Pulse City RPM (K78974041 - link below)
  • There is no change of database format, downloading, or installation procedures
  • Edge and Pulse databases are available for an additional three months from release date to ease the migration process
  • Both databases are seamlessly available for customer download until the end of 2022
  • Beginning in January 2023, only the Pulse database will be accessible
  • Edge database will reach End of Life by the end of December 2022
Updated Aug 07, 2023
Version 3.0
application delivery
BIG-IP DNS

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  • GriffShelley's avatar
    GriffShelley
    Icon for Employee rankEmployee
    Jan 09, 2023

    Hey Philipe - good question. If you're using GSLB/DNS for ECS and topology load balancing, then you're using Digital Envoy. But other modules may use it via API as well.

  • J_Lee's avatar
    J_Lee
    Icon for Employee rankEmployee
    Mar 28, 2023

    >Beginning in January 2023, only the Pulse database will be accessible

    Please note that F5 continues to release both Edge and Pulse db until further notice. 

  • Philipe's avatar
    Philipe
    Icon for Nimbostratus rankNimbostratus
    Jan 08, 2023

    How do we know if we are using digiatal envoy database?

  • GriffShelley's avatar
    GriffShelley
    Icon for Employee rankEmployee
    Jul 21, 2023

    Want to reiterate J-Lee's comment that yes, F5 WILL support both Edge and Pulse databases indefinitely.