aFleX is a scripting tool that is built into the Thunder Application Delivery Controller (ADC). aFleX is based on a standard scripting language, TCL, enabling the load balancer to perform Layer 7 deep-packet inspection (DPI). Information in the header or data portion of the packet can then be erased, changed or manipulated as needed, or the packet can be dropped or redirected based on the information. Learn more
Introduction to aFlex Scripting
Advantages of using aFleX
aFleX policies allow you to exercise more granular control of packet inspection and traffic load balancing. The benefits can be, but are not limited to:
Used to query for data, manipulate data, or specify a traffic destination. These may be grouped into three main categories:
Statement commands Example: pool directs traffic to the named load balancing pool.
Commands that query or manipulate data Examples:
IP::remote_addr returns the remote IP address of a connection.
HTTP::header remove removes the last occurrence of the named header from a request or response.
Utility commands – useful for parsing and manipulating content Example: decode_uridecodes the named string using HTTP URI encoding and returns the result.
Note: aFleX is extensible. In future Thunder software releases, additional aFleX events and aFleX commands will be added.
The list of supported Events, Operators, and Commands is available in the Thunder Series aFleX Reference.
aFleX Configuration
aFleX configuration is done in 2 steps:
Place the aFleX script on the Thunder device.
Using the CLI
Use a computer with any text editor to write an aFleX script and save it as a file.
Use the import aflex command to import the aFleX file from the computer to the Thunder device.
aFleX CLI syntax check: aflex checkscript-name
Using the WebUI
With the Thunder’s web interface, you can directly type in aFleX scripts and save them on the Thunder device. In the Thunder WebUI, navigate to Config Mode > Service > aFleX.
Using the aFleX Editor
The aFleX Editor is a separate PC application you can use to download/upload aFleX scripts from/to the Thunder device. Moreover, the aFleX Editor can do syntax checking. As an editor, it also has syntax highlighting, keyword auto-completion, etc.
Assign the aFleX script to VIP port
Using the WebUI: Config Mode > Service > SLB > Virtual Server > Port
aFleX Scripting Language and Layer 7 Deep-packet Inspection
aFleX is a powerful and flexible scripting language that you can use to manage your traffic and provide enhanced benefits and services. It’s built into the Thunder® Application Delivery Controller (ADC), a high-performance load balancing solution that enables your applications to be highly secure, available, and accelerated.
Paul Nicholson brings 24 years of experience working with Internet and security companies in the U.S. and U.K. In his current position, Nicholson is responsible for global product marketing and strategy at San Jose, Calif.-based application networking and security leader A10 Networks. Prior to A10 Networks, Nicholson held various technical and management positions at Intel, Pandesic (the Internet company from Intel and SAP), Secure Computing, and various security start-ups. Read More
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