The F5 LTM (Local Traffic Manager) is a powerful application delivery controller (ADC) widely used for load balancing, traffic management, and application security. This training plan is designed to guide participants from beginner to advanced levels, equipping them with the skills to manage and optimize F5 LTM in various environments.
Training Objectives
By the end of this training, participants will:
- Understand F5 LTM’s architecture, core features, and functions.
- Configure and manage virtual servers, pools, and nodes.
- Develop advanced load-balancing strategies and secure traffic.
- Utilize iRules for custom traffic management.
- Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize F5 LTM performance.
Training Structure
The training will consist of five modules, each including lectures, hands-on labs, and a final evaluation.
Module 1: Introduction to F5 LTM (1 day)
Overview: Familiarize participants with F5 LTM’s core functions and architecture.
- Topics Covered:
- What is F5 LTM? Purpose and functions
- Overview of BIG-IP systems and modules
- F5 LTM components: Virtual Servers, Pools, and Nodes
- Basic Networking concepts: IP, VLANs, self-IP, and Routes
- Lab Exercises:
- Setting up F5 LTM in a virtual lab environment
- Basic navigation of the F5 GUI and CLI
Module 2: Configuring F5 LTM for Load Balancing (2 days)
Overview: Deep dive into load balancing concepts and configuration on F5 LTM.
- Topics Covered:
- Load balancing methods: Round-robin, Least Connections, Ratio
- Virtual Servers and Pools configuration
- Health monitors: Types, configuration, and best practices
- SSL Offloading and persistence profiles
- Lab Exercises:
- Creating pools and virtual servers for HTTP/HTTPS traffic
- Configuring health monitors and persistence options
Module 3: Traffic Management and iRules (2 days)
Overview: Learn to control traffic flow and customize behavior with iRules.
- Topics Covered:
- Advanced traffic management concepts
- Introduction to iRules: Syntax, events, and basic commands
- Creating iRules for HTTP redirects, header manipulation, and routing
- iRules best practices and troubleshooting
- Lab Exercises:
- Writing iRules to handle traffic redirection and URL rewrites
- Testing and troubleshooting iRules in a simulated environment
Module 4: Securing Applications with F5 LTM (2 days)
Overview: Discover F5 LTM’s security features for safeguarding applications.
- Topics Covered:
- SSL/TLS Profiles and SSL Offloading
- Implementing DoS protection and rate limiting
- Understanding and configuring IP Intelligence
- Access control lists and web application firewall (WAF) integration
- Lab Exercises:
- Configuring SSL Offloading and inspecting HTTPS traffic
- Setting up IP Intelligence and rate limiting for traffic protection
Module 5: Monitoring, Troubleshooting, and Performance Optimization (2 days)
Overview: Gain skills in monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing F5 LTM.
- Topics Covered:
- Monitoring tools: Real-time statistics, logging, and SNMP
- Troubleshooting strategies: Debugging common issues and using tcpdump
- F5 analytics and reporting
- Performance tuning: Optimization strategies and best practices
- Lab Exercises:
- Configuring real-time monitoring and alerting
- Analyzing traffic patterns and optimizing load balancing
Final Assessment and Certification (1 day)
- Written Test: Evaluate participants’ knowledge of F5 LTM principles and configuration.
- Practical Lab Test: Complete an advanced configuration scenario.
- Certification: Participants who pass the evaluation will receive a certificate of completion for the F5 LTM course.
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with networking basics (IP, TCP, VLANs)
- Basic understanding of web traffic (HTTP, HTTPS)
Training Tools and Resources
- Software: F5 BIG-IP Virtual Edition for lab environments
- Documentation: F5 LTM user guide, iRules reference manual, and troubleshooting guide
- Lab Environment: Virtual labs with access to traffic generators and monitoring tools
Conclusion
Completing this F5 LTM training program will empower participants with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in managing and optimizing traffic for web applications.
