Specifications

Chapter 4 Configuring the CSS
Service, Owner, and Content Rule Overview
4-2
Content Services Switch Getting Started Guide
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• A content rule is a hierarchical rule set containing individual rules that
describe which content (for example, .html files) is accessible by visitors to
the web site, how the content is mirrored, on which server the content resides,
and how the CSS should process requests for the content. Each rule set must
have an owner.
Note For detailed information on creating and configuring services,
owners, and content rules, refer to the Content Services Switch Basic
Configuration Guide.
When a request for content is made, the CSS:
1. Uses the owner content rule to translate the owner’s Virtual IP address (VIP)
or domain name using Network Address Translation (NAT) to the
corresponding service IP address and port.
2. Checks for available services that match the content request.
3. Uses content rules to choose which service can best process the request for
content.
4. Applies all content rules to service the request for content (for example, load
balancing method, redirects, failover, stickiness).
The CSS uses content rules to determine:
• Where the content physically resides, whether local or remote
• Where to direct the request for content (which service or services)
• Which load balancing method to use
The type of rule also implies the network layer at which the rule functions.
• A Layer 3 content rule implies a destination IP address of the host or network.
• A Layer 4 content rule implies a combination of destination IP address and
port.
• A Layer 5 content rule implies a combination of destination IP address, port,
and URL that may or not contain an HTTP cookie or a domain name.