What is GTM and Why is it Used in F5?
We can discuss GTM (Global Traffic Manager) in the following points:
1. Overview of GTM
GTM (Global Traffic Manager): F5 GTM, often called Global Traffic Manager, distributes DNS and user application requests based on business policies, data center and cloud environments, user location, and application-based performance.
2. High-Performance DNS Services
BIG-IP GTM delivers F5’s high-performance DNS services with great visibility, inbuilt reporting, and analysis features. It secures DNS responses across the globe to survive DDoS and other attacks.
GTM provides a complete and real-time DNSSEC solution, ensuring global application high availability in all hybrid and harsh environments.
3. Primary Configuration Element
The primary configuration element in a GTM is known as a Wide IP (WIP). There are many configuration factors that attach to a WIP, but at its core, it is based on resolving only the IP.
4. Pools and Intelligent Resolution
Pools are commonly attached to a WIP and incorporate the IPs, which GTM intelligently resolves.
Unlike a standard DNS server, GTM does not inform the requester about ports. However, monitors associated with the pool members can reveal availability or performance on specific ports.
5. Multi-Core Processing and DNS Express
BIG-IP GTM manages requests with multi-core processing and F5 DNS Express, which dramatically increases authoritative DNS performance to up to 20 million RPS (requests per second) in version 11.5.
This enhancement helps the organization provide the best Quality of Service (QoS) while eliminating poor application performance.
DNS Express improves standard DNS server functions by offloading DNS responses as an authoritative DNS server.
6. Zone Transfers and Authoritative DNS
BIG-IP GTM accepts zone transfers of DNS records from the primary DNS server and answers DNS queries authoritatively.
Benefits of GTM:
High-Speed Response and DDoS Attack Protection
High-speed response and DDoS attack protection with in-memory DNS.
Authoritative DNS Replication
Authoritative DNS replication in multiple BIG-IP or DNS service deployments for faster responses.
DNSSEC for Disaster Recovery
Authoritative DNS and DNSSEC in virtual clouds for disaster recovery and fast, secure responses.
Scalable DNS Performance
Scalable DNS performance ensuring the quality of the app and service experience.
DNS Server Consolidation
The ability to consolidate DNS servers, increasing ROI.
