Optimizing Network Performance with Content Switching: Server, Firewall and Cache Load Balancing

In this chapter, we'll move further up the OSI Seven Layer Model and take an in-depth look at the workings of some of the Application layer protocols that are most commonly used in content switching. These include TCP-based services such as HTTP, UDP services like DNS, and applications that use a combination of TCP and UDP, such as the Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP). Finally, we'll look at how these types of applications can be secured using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).