Introduction

The Cisco CSS 11150 content services switch is a compact, high-performance solution for small-to medium-sized Web sites. Featuring Cisco Web Network Services (Web NS) software, the Cisco CSS 11150 enables Web and application service providers, Web content providers, and enterprises engaged in e-commerce to build global Web Networks optimized for e-commerce transactions and Web content delivery. With its patented content switching technology, the Cisco CSS 11150 gives businesses maximum control in ensuring availability of their Web sites, securing Web site resources without compromising performance, and allocating Web site resources efficiently.

Cisco CSS 11000 series switches learn where specific content resides, either locally or remotely, and dynamically select the best Web server or cache for specific content requests. In a distributed Web site, Cisco CSS 11000 series switches perform comprehensive resource verification before routing user requests, ensuring they are directed to the location that has the best response time and the least load for the requested content. Local server selection is based on server load and application response time, as well as traditional least connections and round-robin algorithms. Global server load balancing is based on Domain Name System (DNS) and proximity by source IP address. Any application that uses standard Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) or User Datagram Protocol (UDP) protocols can also be load-balanced including firewalls, mail, news, chat, and lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP), Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), remote monitoring (RMON), and log files.

Glitches in the Cisco CSS’ operations can therefore cause serious errors in the load-balancing activity, resulting in requests being routed to slow / heavily loaded locations, and frustrating error messages such as “Server Not Found” becoming common-place! While such aberrations are unwelcome even in less critical environments, the occurrence of these anomalies in mission-critical infrastructures can significantly impact the quality and timely delivery of the important end-user services that overlay these infrastructures. To avoid prolonged service delays or outages, the continuous monitoring of the Cisco CSS is essential. The eG Enterprise helps network administrators for continuously monitoring the Cisco CSS.