Deploying a load balancer helps achieve constant server availability as well as simple scalability. It allows administrators to easily perform server maintenance, and a painless way to add systems to the Load Balanced server farm.
The Barracuda Load Balancer provides the industry's easiest configuration via an intuitive Web interface. Normal setup can be performed in a few simple steps. Most customers are able to set up their load balancing configurations within 10 minutes.
The Barracuda Load Balancer has a built-in Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), as well as Access Control Lists (ACL) and a SSL-secured Web user interface.
The Barracuda Load Balancer's integrated Intrusion Prevention System uses a refined set of constantly updated vulnerability definitions to automatically block malicious attacks as they happen. When an attack is detected, the Barracuda Load Balancer simply sends a TCP RESET in both directions (server and client).
The Barracuda Load Balancer supports any TCP or UDP service.
The entry-level Load Balancer (model 240) supports up to 25 real servers, while a higher-end system (model 440) can support up to 250 real servers.
You may need additional switches depending on your deployment configuration. The Barracuda Load Balancer includes two ports: a WAN and LAN interface.
Client IP persistence is useful in applications which require session persistence. For example, Web-based shopping carts or any service which requires a login and/or uses multiple requests would be a good candidate for IP persistence.
Real servers can be added to the configuration with one step using the Barracuda Load Balancer's Web interface.
Available on the Barracuda Load Balancer 440, the Application Programming Interface (API) facilitates scripted implementation of any setting available in the Web interface. Most often used by ISPs and MSPs, this allows for load balanced services (including intrusion prevention) to be integrated into existing customer build scripts.
The Service Monitor actively watches all real servers, their connections, and performance.
When the Service Monitor detects a downed real server, the Barracuda Load Balancer automatically removes the server from the load-balanced cluster. If the real server again becomes available, it will automatically place the server back in the distribution queue.
Real servers may also be placed in "maintenance mode," which gracefully removes them from any bound services in order to facilitate server maintenance or upgrades. When the real server is again available, administrators simply enable the server through the Barracuda Load Balancer's Web interface.
The Barracuda Load Balancer works with any TCP/UDP service or application.
The Barracuda Load Balancer supports route-path, bridge-path, and direct server return configurations. Server weights are fully configurable along with flexible scheduling options such as round-robin and least connections.
Ideal for high bandwidth and content delivery networks, Direct Server Return is a load balancing configuration which facilitates responses to server requests being delivered directly to the network rather than being routed back through the load balancer. This configuration can be used to deliver 10x bandwidth throughput versus route-path or bridge-path modes.
Configuration of Direct Server Return is easy, and uses the built-in non-ARPing loopback adapter which is included in allWindows and Linux servers.
The VIP, or Virtual IP Address, is the IP address that is used to access load-balanced services.
A "Real Server" is the actual physical server which holds the content or runs the application that is delivered to the client via the Barracuda Load Balancer.
A "Service" is the combination, or binding, of a Virtual IP address, ports, and real server IP addresses.
Networks growth, traffic and additional users may result in a need of a larger Barracuda appliance. Depending on the model you currently have, and when it was purchased you may qualify for a partial hardware credit, as well as a credit on any remaining subscription. Contact Barracuda Networks or the partner where you purchased your appliance to find our what you are eligible for. If your appliance was purchased from Optrics Engineering, contact us and we will be pleased to provide you with the information you need to upgrade your Barracuda.