Using Via Headers to Acquire Information About Intermediate Routers

Overview: Using Via headers

Via headers provide useful information about intermediate routers that can be used in network analysis and troubleshooting.

Task summary for identifying intermediate information with Via headers

Perform these tasks to identify intermediate information with Via headers.

1. Identifying information about intermediate proxies with Via headers

2. Removing Via headers from requests and responses

Identifying information about intermediate proxies with Via headers

The BIG-IP system can include Via headers (configured in an HTTP profile) in a request, a response, or both, to identify information, such as protocols and names, for intermediate proxies that forward messages.

1. On the Main tab, click Local Traffic > Profiles > Services > HTTP.

   The HTTP profile list screen opens.

2. Click the name of a user-defined profile.

3. Select the Custom check box.

4. In the Send Proxy Via Header In Request list, do one of the following:

   • Select the Preserve option to include the Via header in the client request to the origin web server.
   • Select the Append option, and then type a string in the Send Proxy Via Header Host Name field, which is appended as a comment when sending a Via header in a request to an origin web server.

5. In the Send Proxy Via Header In Response list, do one of the following:

   • Select the Preserve option to include the Via header in the client response to the client.
   • Select the Append option, and then type a string in the Send Proxy Via Header Host Name field, which is appended as a comment when sending a Via header in a response to a client.

6. Click Finished.

The BIG-IP system is configured to use Via headers to identify protocols and intermediate proxies that forward messages.

Removing Via headers from requests and responses

Via headers are configured in an HTTP profile for requests or responses.

You can remove Via headers from requests and responses if you no longer require them to identify information about intermediate proxies.

1. On the Main tab, click Local Traffic > Profiles > Services > HTTP.

   The HTTP profile list screen opens.

2. Click the name of a user-defined profile.

3. Select the Custom check box.

4. In the Send Proxy Via Header In Request list, select Remove.

5. In the Send Proxy Via Header In Response list, select Remove.

6. Click Finished.

The BIG-IP system removes Via headers, as configured, for requests and responses.