Overview
This 2 day course gives network administrators, network operators, and network engineers a functional understanding of the BIG-IP system as it is commonly deployed in an application delivery network. The course introduces students to the BIG-IP system, its configuration objects, how it processes traffic, and how typical administrative and operational activities are performed. The course includes lecture, hands-on labs, interactive demonstrations, and discussions.
Who should attend
This course is intended for network administrators, operators, and engineers responsible for managing the normal day-to-day operation and administration of a BIG-IP application delivery network. This course presents the prerequisite knowledge for many other of F5’s BIG-IP instructor-led training courses.
Prerequisites
There are no required F5 prerequisites for this course.
The following free web-based training courses, although optional, will be very helpful for any student with limited BIG-IP administration and configuration experience. These courses are available at F5 University (http://university.f5.com):
- Getting Started with BIG-IP - web-based training
- Getting Started with BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM) - web-based training
The following general network technology knowledge and experience are recommended before attending any F5 Global Training Services instructor-led course:
- OSI model encapsulation
- Routing and switching
- Ethernet and ARP
- TCP/IP concepts
- IP addressing and subnetting
- NAT and private IP addressing
- Default gateway
- Network firewalls
- LAN vs. WAN
Delegates will learn how to
- Getting started with the BIG-IP system
- Traffic processing with BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM)
- Using the TMSH (TMOS Shell) command line interface
- Using NATs and SNATs
- Monitoring application health and managing object status
- Modifying traffic behavior with profiles, including SSL offload and re-encryption
- Modifying traffic behavior with persistence, including source address affinity and cookie persistence
- Troubleshooting the BIG-IP system, including logging (local, high-speed, and legacy remote logging), and using tcpdump
- Always-On Management (AOM)
- User roles and administrative partitions
- vCMP concepts
- Customizing application delivery with iRules
Outline
- Chapter 1: Setting Up the BIG-IP System
- Introducing the BIG-IP System
- Initially Setting Up the BIG-IP System
- Archiving the BIG-IP Configuration
- Leveraging F5 Support Resources and Tools
- Chapter Resources
- Chapter 2: Traffic Processing Building Blocks
- Identifying BIG-IP Traffic Processing Objects
- Network Packet Flow
- Configuring Virtual Servers and Pools
- Load Balancing Traffic
- Viewing Module Statistics and Logs
- Using the Traffic Management Shell (TMSH)
- Understanding the TMSH Hierarchical Structure
- Navigating the TMSH Hierarchy
- Managing BIG-IP Configuration State and Files
- BIG-IP System Configuration State
- Loading and Saving the System Configuration
- Shutting Down and Restarting the BIG-IP System
- Saving and Replicating Configuration Data (UCS and SCF)
- Viewing the BIG-IP Connection Table
- Chapter Resources
- Identifying BIG-IP Traffic Processing Objects
- Chapter 3: Using NATs and SNATs
- Address Translation on the BIG-IP System
- Mapping IP Addresses with NAT
- Solving Routing Issues with SNATs
- Configuring SNAT Auto Map on a Virtual Server
- Monitoring for and Mitigating Port Exhaustion
- Chapter Resources
- Chapter 4: Monitoring Application Health
- Introducing Monitors
- Types of Monitors
- Monitor Interval and Timeout Settings
- Configuring Monitors
- Assigning Monitors to Resources
- Managing Pool, Pool Member, and Node Status
- Using the Network Map
- Chapter Resources
- Chapter 5: Modifying Traffic Behavior with Profiles
- Introducing Profiles
- Understanding Profile Types and Dependencies
- Configuring and Assigning Profiles
- Chapter Resources
- Chapter 6: Modifying Traffic Behavior with Persistence
- Understanding the Need for Persistence
- Introducing Source Address Affinity Persistence
- Introducing Cookie Persistence
- Introducing SSL Offload and SSL Re-Encryption
- Managing Object State
- Introducing Action on Service Down
- Chapter 7: Troubleshooting the BIG-IP System
- Configuring Logging
- Introducing BIG-IP System Logging
- Legacy Remote Logging
- Introducing High Speed Logging (HSL)
- High-Speed Logging Filters
- HSL Configuration Objects
- Configuring High Speed Logging
- Using tcpdump on the BIG-IP System
- Leveraging the BIG-IP iHealth System
- Working with F5 Support
- Information Required when Opening a Support Case
- Providing Files to F5 Technical Support
- Running End User Diagnostics
- Chapter Resources
- Configuring Logging
- Chapter 8: Administering the BIG-IP System
- Leveraging Always-On Management (AOM)
- Expanding Availability with Device Service Clustering (DSC)
- Viewing BIG-IP System Statistics
- Defining User Roles and Administrative Partitions
- Leveraging vCMP
- Chapter Resources
- Chapter 9: Customizing Application Delivery with iRules
- Identifying iRules Components
- Triggering iRules with Events
- Leveraging the iRules Ecosystem on DevCentral
- Chapter 10: Additional Training and Certification
- Getting Started Series Web-Based Training
- F5 Instructor Led Training Curriculum
- F5 Professional Certification Program
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course. When you book a QA online learning course you will receive immediate access to it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.