Web Despatcher or F5

[Former Member]

Hi,

Currently we are using webdespatcher as load balancer for SAP EP
server and ECC6 internet services (which is called from EP server)

User will call Webdespatcher then system will redirect them to
SAP EP server (We have two application servers)

We have bought new F5 hardware load balancer, its running with software
version 11.2.

F5 load balancer is running in DMZ Zone
EP and ECC are in Server network Zone.

1. May I know SAP recommended architecture for our situation
2. May I know where to find SAP best practice regarding this.

3. Can i install Web Despatcher in EP server

4. Can i replace webdespatcher with F5 load balancer. is recommnaded by SAP

Thanks and Regards,
Suganthi AN

[Former Member]

Hi,

1. May I know SAP recommended architecture for our situation

As you have decided to user the load balancer to make it secure you should use SSL. In case of F5 loadbalancer you can do SSL offloading easily. Once the traffic passes the loadbalancer and it has done SSL offloading you need to burn only http ports.

2. May I know where to find SAP best practice regarding this.

How many application you have ?

If it is ECC and EP application then you need only Two probe at the load balancer . One for the ECC icm and another for EP.

3. Can i install Web Despatcher in EP server

What are you going to use the web dispatcher for? EP or ECC. If you have ECC application server then you need to use web dispatcher for ECC.

4. Can i replace webdespatcher with F5 load balancer. is recommnaded by SAP

If you have ECC application server then you need to have web dispatcher.

Thanks

Rishi Abrol

[bxiv]

A webdispatcher and F5 perform the same functions; however with the F5 you are going to need more knowledge on how to setup the probes to know if the instance(s) are available and set the F5 to take the servers out of service.  The webdispatcher, I believe handles this automatically due to some built in functionality.

Another consideration, hardware load balancing is typically handled by a server team or network team; so my question is do they understand how SAP works?  Or do you have the time to train them on how things need to be setup in F5, which means you have to learn how it works.

The other thought, if the web dispatcher is working or meeting your requirements; why are you looking to change the current infrastructure?