Connection multiplexing

Connection multiplexing works by taking advantage of a feature in HTTP/1.1 that allows for multiple HTTP requests to be made over the same TCP connection. So instead of passing each HTTP connection from the client to the server in a one-to-one manner, the appliance combines many separate HTTP requests from clients into relatively few HTTP connections to the server. This keeps the connections to the server open across multiple requests, thus eliminating the high turnover that is typically encountered in high volume Web sites. The ultimate result is that there is higher performance out of the same servers without any changes or improvements to the server infrastructure.

Clustering

A cluster is a group of application servers that transparently run applications as if it were a single entity. Clusters can comprise redundant and fail over-capable machines: A typical cluster in a network integrates Layer 4-7 Load Balancers, Gateway Routers, which exist at the end of a network on each side, and various switches in a network, which integrates the application and Web Servers with the whole Network. Firewalls are used in filtering port level access to all network resources and data storage devices (which can use any media such as Tape drives, Magneto- Optical drives or Simple hard drives). A cluster manages the writing of data on main storage devices as well as the redundant ones and manages switchover to redundant storage media in case of a failure of primary data storage devices.

Network security (Firewalls)

Network security protects the networks and their services from unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure, and provides assurance that the network performs its critical functions correctly and that there are no harmful side effects. It also includes providing for data integrity. Gateway that limits access between networks in accordance with local security policy is called Firewalls and can be implemented in Layer 4-7 Switching.

Firewalls are used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks. All messages entering or leaving the intranet pass through the firewall, which examines each message and blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria.A firewall is usually considered a first line of defense in protecting private information.