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The Bottom Line

Detailed technical review of content switching and associated applications. Collects in on volume disparate information on the discipline of content networking that is difficult to find elsewhere.

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Pros

• Authoritative look at an emerging new discipline
• Minimal marketing hype or product vendor bias
• Case study and practical examples reinforce theory

Cons

• Not really suitable for a business audience

Description

• Chapter 1 - Introduction to Content Switching
• Chapter 2 - Understanding Layer 2, 3, and 4 Protocols
• Chapter 3 - Understanding Application Layer Protocols
• Chapter 4 - The Concepts of Content Switching
• Chapter 5 - Basic Server Load Balancing
• Chapter 6 - Content-Aware Server Load Balancing
• Chapter 7 - Persistence, Security, and the Internet
• Chapter 8 - Application Redirection
• Chapter 9 - Firewall and VPN Load Balancing
• Chapter 10 - The Architecture of a Content Switch

Guide Review - Optimizing Network Performance with Content Switching

Computer networks require increasingly specialized hardware and software to cope with the variety and complexity of Internet application content. This book presents one perspective on content networking - content switching.

The authors describe the OSI model and traditional Layer 2 / Layer 3 switching and routing, then illustrate the differences between this and content switching that relies on application Layer 7 technology. The book later expands into coverage of server and firewall load balancing, redirection, and other solutions made possible by content switching techniques.

Beginners will likely feel overwhelmed by this expansive topic at first, but in the long run will appreciate text and diagrams that don't skimp on technical details.

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