I need to build a scalable webserver based on Apache. I'm not sure yet if the application requires persistent TCP connections. If so, it will require that after starting session all subsequent HTTP request in this session will come to the same machine in the cluster. This requires load ballancing in 7th layer, so LVS doesn't help much.
7th layer for sure? I'd imagine that would only need to land in the 4th Layer.7th layer would be custom HTTP requests to test things like an application servers, CGI scripts, or PHP scripts (7th layer == application layer).
The question is: are there any software level 7 ballancer available ? If not, which hardware box would you recommend ?
I've not found any software suitable for the load balancing systems we run, which must support SSL, persistent connections (cookie, IP, etc.), and can handle a huge load.
That said, we use a Foundry Networks ServerIronXL for load balancing, and it's an incredible box. Quite expensive new, but with all of the Dot-Bombs, you should be able to find one cheap on eBay or other auction houses.
Best Regards- Eric Jennings ericj@loopshot.com