The Basics of Application Switching

What is application switching?

It is a way to control network traffic before it arrives at the server. The best metaphor would be to call application switching a traffic cop who can intelligently control the flow of information, while servers and switches would be the traffic lights. What is the difference? One is intelligent and works in real time while the other is preprogrammed and can’t make instantaneous decisions. Application Switching can identify legitimate requests while at the same time identify and block attacks. Going back once more the traffic cop metaphor, a traffic cop can give priority to an ambulance or a VIP while a traffic light cannot. For example, intelligent application switching can give priority to monetary transfers and databases over regular web surfing so that critical and important information will not be lost on the network.

How does application switching work?

Networks are divided up into 7 layers. Level number 4 is the one that controls information connections between clients and servers. A few years ago level 4 used to be able to handle the traffic load for a network, but now more and more applications are web-based and require a network connection to function properly. Layer number 7 is where user related data is moved on the network. The problem that arises is that layer 4 becomes overloaded causing network slow downs or even failures. When the network goes down the most likely culprit is a layer 4 overload. Application Switching takes advantage of layer 7’s capabilities to optimize traffic. Intelligent application switching can identify, secure, and balance traffic. It can even remember previous traffic, for example if a client accessed a certain server, application switching can send that client back to the same server for every visit to reduce load time.

What are the benefits of application switching?

The largest benefit is security. With intelligent application switching attacks can be identified and thwarted in real time. Application switching also makes managing a network cheaper and easier to do. Radware (www.radware.com) makes very affordable and secure application switching hardware. The big network and websites like MSN and EBay have been using application switching for years, now you know why they always run efficiently and securely, so take advantage of this knowledge today.