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Deploying BIG-IP GTM with APM for Global Remote Access

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Welcome to the F5® deployment guide for BIG-IP® Global Traffic Manager® (GTM) and BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM). This
guide shows administrators how to configure the BIG-IP GTM and APM together to provide high availability and secure remote
access to corporate resources from anywhere in the world.
In this solution, the BIG-IP GTM intelligently directs traffic to the closest available branch office to the user. The BIG-IP APM uses
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one of several options to authenticate the user, and then creates a secure session between the user and the remote office.
For more information on the F5 BIG-IP system and the modules described in this guide, see http://www.f5.com/products/big-ip/.
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Products and versions

Product Version
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BIG-IP GTM, APM 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.6

 ake sure you are using the most recent version of this deployment guide, available at
Important: M
http://www.f5.com/pdf/deployment-guides/f5-apm-gtm-dg.pdf.
DEPLOYMENT GUIDE
BIG-IP GTM and APM for Global Remote Access

Contents
Prerequisites and configuration notes 3

Configuration examples 3

Preparation Worksheet 5

Configuring the BIG-IP APM 6

Configuring BIG-IP APM using the Network Access Setup Wizard 6

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Configuring the BIG-IP system 7
Configuring the BIG-IP APM virtual servers 7

Configuring the BIG-IP LTM virtual server 8

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Configuring the BIG-IP GTM 9

Appendix: About VS Score load balancing 10

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Example calculation 10

Document Revision History 11

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Prerequisites and configuration notes

The following are general prerequisites and configuration notes for this guide:
hh A minimum of two BIG-IP APM devices and a BIG-IP GTM

hh T
 his guide does not cover the deployment or guidance for any specific application, as such we strongly recommend deploying
your application prior to proceeding.

hh A
 ll routes between the GTM and the data centers should be in place before performing the configuration in this guide. See the
BIG-IP documentation for more information on configuring routes.

hh If one ore more data centers contain multiple APM devices performing the same function, please refer to Appendix A for
additional configuration.

Configuration examples

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This guide contains two ways of configuring this deployment, a high availability configuration, and a topology-based configuration.

High availability configuration

The high availability configuration is for deployments using multiple BIG-IP APM devices in a single data center. This scenario allows
for handling a larger number of concurrent sessions by distributing users by observed connection levels on multiple APM instances by
redirecting the connection once the it arrives. In our example, we are configuring two APM devices per Data Center and allowing the GTM
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health monitors to track the change to a different APM system at the Data Center.

F5 Edge LDNS
Client
GTM
vpn.example.com vpn.example.com
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10.10.10.1 10.10.10.1

vpn.example.com
10.10.10.1
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vpn.example.com
20.20.20.1
US Data Center UK Data Center 20.20.20.2
uk1.vpn.example.com
vpn.example.com
302 10.10.10.1
Redirect
10.10.10.2
us1.vpn.example.com LTM APM
LTM APM

vpn.example.com
10.10.10.3
VS Score
LB method 10.10.10.4
us2.vpn.example.com

LTM APM

Figure 1: Logical configuration example for high availability

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Topology-based configuration
With topology-based configuration, the BIG-IP GTM module is used to provide intelligent distribution based on geolocation and application
load, providing the highest level of transparency and performance to users. Once connected to the appropriate APM device based on
geolocation the BIG-IP APM is able to provide Secure Authentication and SSL VPN access to corporate resources.

F5 Edge LDNS
Client
GTM
vpn.example.com vpn.example.com

10.10.10.1 10.10.10.1

vpn.example.com
10.10.10.1

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vpn.example.com vpn.example.com
302 10.10.10.1 20.20.20.1
Redirect
10.10.10.2 US Data Center UK Data Center 20.20.20.2
us1.vpn.example.com uk1.vpn.example.com

LTM APM LTM APM

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Figure 1: Logical configuration example for topology-based deployments
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Preparation Worksheet
Before beginning the configuration, it is helpful to gather some information, such as IP addresses and certificate/key information. This
worksheets contains the information that is helpful to have in advance. You might find it useful to print the table and then enter the
information.
This table shows space to enter your information on top of each cell, and our example on the bottom.

Network Primary Data Center Secondary Data Center Notes

Public WAN

Network All public access comes through this network

60.168.111.0 70.168.111.0

VLAN + (tag)
vlan-public-WAN1 (1192) vlan-public-WAN2 (1072)

GTM DNS Listener

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60.168.111.250
In our example, APM has two virtual servers that provide
Application public virtual server
60.168.111.100 70.168.111.100 VPN access, which are on the DMZ / Public WAN

Private WAN
This network is used for Interconnectivity between APM
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Network and GTM. In our example, the private WAN is separated
192.168.111.0 from the public WAN. However this is not required.

VLAN + (tag)
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vlan-private-WAN1 (3192) vlan-private-WAN2 (3072)

BIG IP GTM Self IP

192.168.111.200

BIG IP APM Self IP

192.168.111.200 172.168.111.200
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Private LAN

This Network is where your clients will be once they

Network
10.10.2.0 10.20.2.0 access the SSL VPN

These are the Internal Application virtual servers clients

BIG IP APM Application VIP access once connected to the SSL VPN. This is only
10.10.2.100 10.20.2.100 required in our example use case.

VLAN + (tag)
vlan-private-LAN1 (1010) vlan-private-LAN2 (1020)

BIG IP APM Application VIP

10.10.2.200 10.20.2.200

Private LAN - Server Layer

Network This network contains the application in our example.

172.10.2.0 172.80.2.0

VLAN + (tag) vlan-privateApp-LAN1

vlan-privateApp-LAN2 (7020)
(7010)

These self IP will be used for access by the application

BIG-IP APM Self IP
172.10.2.200 172.80.2.200 servers.

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Configuring the BIG-IP APM

In this section, we configure the BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) using the Network Access Setup Wizard on the BIG-IP system.

SSL Configuration
You must import and use SSL certificates that match all names in use. If you choose to use one certificate per site, (e.g., us1.vpn.example.
com and uk1.vpn.example.com), you must ensure that both generated certificates contain the Subject Alternative Name matching the main
site name – in this case, vpn.example.com. It is acceptable to generate one certificate with all names in the Subject Alternative Name field if
this is acceptable under your organization’s security guidelines.
Wildcard certificates can also be used provided the wildcard matches ALL possible names. Please note that wildcard certificates only
match the first subdomain from the wildcard: *.vpn.example.com will match uk1.vpn.example.com or us1.vpn.example.com, but will not
match vpn.example.com.

You will need to import the certificates before moving forward with the BIG-IP APM wizard as these objects will be requested during the
configuration. To import SSL certificates, on the Main tab, click System > File Management > SSL Certificate List > Import. For
specific information on how to import SSL certificates, see the online help or product manuals.

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Configuring BIG-IP APM using the Network Access Setup Wizard
This table contains guidance on using the Network Access Setup Wizard for Remote Access to configure the BIG-IP APM.
To start the wizard, from the Main tab of the Configuration utility, click Wizards, and then click Device Wizards. In the Wizard section, click
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the Network Access Setup Wizard for Remote Access option button.

Wizard section Non-default settings/Notes

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Policy Name Type a unique name. We use apm-access.
Default Language Select a language. We leave the default, en.
Basic Properties
Full Webtop Check this box.
Client Side Checks Leave this box checked.

Authentication Domain Name Click the appropriate button. In our example, we the click RADIUS option button.
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The options in this section depend on the authentication method you choose. Configure the AAA Server options as appropriate for your
AAA Server
environment and authentication method. Use the Help tab for assistance.

Type Click the option button for a single IP address or an address range. We click IP Address Range.

Type an IP address. If you selected a range, type both the start and end IP addresses. We recommend using
Lease Pool
Address(es) enough addresses for the highest number of concurrent network access connections you anticipate.
You must ensure the network the lease pool members reside in provide access to the application.

Compression Select GZIP Compression (strongly recommended)

Click the button for Forcing all traffic through the tunnel or split tunneling. If you chose split tunneling, configure
Network Access Client Settings
the split tunneling options as applicable for your configuration. We click Force all traffic through tunnel.

DTLS Check this box to enable DTLS. Leave the default port of 4443 unless you have changed the DTLS port.

DNS Hosts Primary Name Server Type the IP address of the Active Directory Server in the network; all other settings are optional.

Virtual Server IP address Type the IP address to use for this virtual server. This address must be in the Public WAN network .

Virtual Server Leave this box checked. This redirects users who attempt to connect to the virtual server address using http://
Redirect Server
to the correct https:// IP address.

Repeat this configuration on each BIG-IP APM that is a part of this configuration.

The wizard creates three virtual servers, one on port 443 that contains the Access Policy, one on port 80 that redirects users to the port 443
virtual server, and one on port 4443 for DTLS.

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Configuring the BIG-IP system

In this section, we configure the local traffic management components of the BIG-IP systems. We will be configuring two virtual servers in
this section. The first virtual server created will be used by GTM as a member of the Wide IP group.

Configuring the BIG-IP APM virtual servers

The following table contains a list of BIG-IP configuration objects, along with any non-default settings you should configure as a part of this
deployment. Unless otherwise specified, settings not mentioned in the table can be configured as applicable for your configuration. For
specific instructions on configuring individual objects, see the online help or product manuals.
Before beginning this part of the configuration, make sure you know the FQDN for the IP address of the local BIG-IP APM virtual server on
port 443 that was created by the wizard in the previous section. Your DNS administrator may need to add a record for this IP address.

BIG-IP Object Non-default settings/Notes

HTTP Name Type a unique name

(Profiles-->Services) Parent Profile http
Profiles

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TCP WAN Name Type a unique name
(Main tab-->
(Profiles-->Protocol) Parent Profile tcp-wan-optimized
Local Traffic-->Profiles)
TCP LAN Name Type a unique name
(Profiles-->Protocol) Parent Profile tcp-lan-optimized
If deploying the High Availability configuration (default)
Name Type a unique name
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Definition when CLIENT_ACCEPTED {
ACCESS::restrict_irule_events disable
}
iRules when HTTP_REQUEST {
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(Local Traffic-->Rules) HTTP::respond 302 Location "https://<FQDN of the local name of the APM
instance>[HTTP::uri]"
Create one of these iRules, }
depending on which scenario
If deploying the Topology-based configuration
you are deploying.
Name Type a unique name
Definition
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when HTTP_REQUEST {
HTTP::respond 302 Location "https://<FQDN for the IP address of the local
APM virtual server created by the wizard2>[HTTP::uri]"
}

Name Type a unique name.

Address Type the IP Address for this virtual Server.
Service Port Type the appropriate port. In our example, we use 80.
Protocol Profile (client) 3 Select the WAN optimized TCP profile you created

Virtual Server Protocol Profile (server) 3 Select the LAN optimized TCP profile you created
(Main tab-->Local Traffic HTTP Profile Select the HTTP profile you created
-->Virtual Servers)
Source Address Translation Auto Map
Access Profile High Availability configuration (default): S
 elect the Access Profile created by the wizard in Configuring BIG-
IP APM using the Network Access Setup Wizard on page 6
Topology-based configuration: If deploying a Topology-based configuration, do not select the Access Profile.
Default Pool Select the pool you created
2
This is the fully qualified domain name that resolves to the IP address of the BIG-IP APM virtual server created by the wizard. Your DNS administrator may have to add this record
3
You must select Advanced from the Configuration list for these options to appear

Repeat this configuration on the BIG-IP system in the secondary data center

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Configuring the BIG-IP LTM virtual server

The next task is to create the virtual server for your internal application server. This part of the configuration depends on which application
you are using. For a list of BIG-IP deployment guides for specific applications, see https://f5.com/solutions/deployment-guides.
You can also use iApp templates to configure the BIG-IP system for your application. From the main tab of the Configuration utility, go to
iApps > Templates to see a list of the iApp Templates on the box (click iApps > Application Services > Create to start configuring a
template. For a list of F5 contributed iApps, release candidate iApps, and community contributed iApps, see
https://devcentral.f5.com/wiki/iApp.Codeshare.ashx.

Configure an application virtual server on the BIG-IP system in each data center.

i Important

The IP address you use for this internal application virtual server must be accessible by the Lease Pool
members (the IP addresses or range you specified in the Lease Pool section while running the BIG-IP APM
Network Access Wizard). It can either be on the same network or on a routed network.

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Configuring the BIG-IP GTM

Use the following procedures to configure the BIG-IP Global Traffic Manager for Global Server Load Balancing using the VS Score load
balancing method. For a description of VS Score, see Appendix: About VS Score load balancing on page 10.
For specific instructions on configuring individual objects, see the online help available from the Help tab, or the BIG-IP GTM
documentation.

GTM Object Description/Notes

Name Type a unique name

Destination Type the IP address on which the Global Traffic Manager listens for network traffic. In our example, this is an IP
Listener
(Main tab-->Global address on the WAN network.
Traffic -->Listeners) VLAN Traffic Select a VLAN setting appropriate for this Listener.
Create additional listeners using the same IP address if necessary. If creating an IPv6 listener, be sure to use an IPv6 destination address

Data Center
(Main tab-->Global Name Type a unique name. Configure other options as applicable for your environment.

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Traffic -->Data Centers)
Name Type a unique name
Product Select the either BIG-IP System (Single) or BIG-IP System (Redundant). Redundant is only used when the
GTM is also an LTM/GTM combo and specifically configured for LTM failover of the listener. Otherwise use BIG-IP
System (Single).

Servers Address List: Address Type the Self IP address of this GTM.
(Main tab-->Global
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Data Center Select the Data Center you created
Traffic -->Servers)
Health monitors Optional: Select bigip
Virtual Server Discovery Enabled (We strongly recommend Enabling Discovery, however you can leave this set to Disabled and manually
configure the virtual server information)
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Repeat this procedure to create the GTM Server objects for each of the BIG-IP APMs

When adding a remote BIG-IP LTM server, you must make sure the big3d agent is on the same version on the BIG-IP APM and GTM. If you have
never registered the BIG-IP APM systems with BIG-IP GTM before, you should perform the following steps from GTM using the management IP
address(es) of each of the APM hosts.
From the GTM device command line, type: big3d_install <IP address of target system>
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Enabling where the target system is the BIG-IP APM that you want to add as a server on the GTM. This pushes out the newest version of big3d.
connectivity with Next, type: bigip_add
remote BIG-IP to exchange SSL keys with the BIG-IP APM. Type the password at the prompt, and then type iqdump <ip address of remote box>.
systems If the boxes are communicating over iQuery, you see a list of configuration information from the remote BIG-IP.
(Command line ) The bigip_add command must be run for every BIG-IP in the configuration.

Adding GTM servers to a Sync Group

If you have more than one BIG-IP GTM, you must run gtm_add on each additional GTM in the sync group as well to ensure the iQuery
configuration is working. If not already part of a sync group, this command adds the GTM to the sync group.
For more information on sync groups, see the GTM documentation.
Name Type a unique name
Health Monitors You can optionally attach a health monitor, such as the gateway_icmp monitor.

Pools Load Balancing Method Preferred: VS Score1 (if using Topology-based GTM configuration, select Topology here)
(Main tab-->Global Alternate: VS Capacity
Traffic -->Wide IPs -->
Return to DNS: VS Score
Pools)
Member List Virtual Server Select the BIG-IP APM virtual server IP address and port you created in Configuring the BIG-IP
APM virtual servers on page 7 and then click Add.
Repeat for each BIG-IP APM virtual server you created for use with GTM that is a part of this configuration.
Name Type a unique name
Wide IPs
(Main tab-->Global Load Balancing Method Topology
Traffic -->Wide IPs)
Pool List Select the pool you created.

1
For a description of the VS Score load balancing method, see Appendix: About VS Score load balancing on page 10

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Appendix: About VS Score load balancing

This appendix explains how the BIG-IP GTM load balancing method VS Score works, and how the score is calculated.
After you integrate BIG-IP GTM with BIG-IP APM, the APM calculates virtual server scores and provides them to GTM. The calculation is
based on the number of active access sessions. APM calculates two usage scores and assigns the higher of the two to the virtual server:

• O
 ne usage score is based on the BIG-IP system licensed maximum access concurrent sessions and the sum of the current active
sessions on all the access profiles configured on the system.
• T
 he other usage score is based on the maximum concurrent user sessions configured on the access profile attached to the virtual
server and the current active sessions count on the access profile.

A value of 0 indicates no capacity and a value of 100 means full capacity available on the device.

 Note

Connectivity sessions do NOT count toward the VS Score.

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The GTM global load balancing method VS Score load balances APM users based on the virtual server score only.

Example calculation
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The following is an example of how the VS Score is calculated

hh Score A – Compute total number of access sessions used on all access policies configured on the system:

»» You have a BIG-IP licensed for 50,000 sessions.

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• Access policy 1 has 5,000 active concurrent access sessions.

• Access policy 2 has 2,000 active concurrent access sessions.

• Access policy 3 has 6,000 active concurrent access sessions.

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( 1- (13000/50000) ) x 100 = 74%

hh Score B – Compute the total number of access sessions used on the access policy for the current virtual server:

»» You have an access policy configured for a maximum number of 10,000 sessions.
• When attached to the virtual server, you have 5,000 active concurrent access sessions established.

( 1 – (5000/10000) ) x 100 = 50%

Because 74% is greater than 50%, the VS Score in this example would be 74.

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Document Revision History

Version Description Date

1.0 New Version 11-03-2014

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