Definition: Content Smart Web Switch

A Web switch from ArrowPoint Communications, Inc., Westford, MA, that routes traffic based on the URL of the request and an extensive database of rules. Using an ATM switch as its foundation, it analyzes the HTTP request and sets up a flow through the switch to the appropriate output port for the remainder of that HTTP session. After receiving the TCP connection request from the browser, it spoofs the client to obtain the HTTP header which contains the URL of the request so that the switch can route it to the most efficient server. The switch can also implement an additional quality of service (QoS) layer by writing a cookie onto the client's machine that is resubmitted with each HTTP request. In 2000, Cisco acquired Arrowpoint to provide its customers with a robust and flexible switching platform. See Web switch.




Content Smart Switches