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F5 BIG-IP hardware platform (such as rSeries hardware) is like a powerful Swiss Army knife. It is powered by TMOS (Traffic Management Operating System), which provides a stable and reliable foundation, while each software module is like a specialized tool (such as a main blade, scissors, or bottle opener) that can be “popped out” as needed. Through flexible combinations, these modules can help enterprises address various challenges ranging from application delivery to security protection.

This article will take you on an in-depth exploration of BIG-IP’s core modules and how to select the most appropriate functional combinations based on different business pain points.

F5 BIG-IP Main Modules

Each module is designed to address specific network and application delivery challenges. Below is a high-level comparison and guidance on how to select the right module for your needs:

F5 big ip main modules
⚙️ LTM (Local Traffic Manager)

  • Highlights: Load balancing and intelligent application traffic distribution.
  • Purpose: Improves application availability and performance, ensuring business continuity.
  • Best for: Application servers are overloaded, access latency is high, or fine-grained traffic control is required.

↔️ LC (Link Controller)

  • Highlights: Intelligent management of multiple links.
  • Purpose: Manage and optimize multiple internet exit points, supporting bandwidth aggregation and automatic failover.
  • Best for: Enterprises with multiple external network lines requiring high availability and exit optimization.

🛡️ AWF (Advanced Web Application Firewall, formerly ASM)

  • Highlights: Web application and API protection.
  • Purpose: Defend against OWASP Top 10 attacks, bot attacks, API abuse, and other application-layer threats.
  • Best for: Websites or applications frequently subjected to hacker attacks with high risk of data breaches.

🌐 DNS (formerly GTM, Global Traffic Manager)

  • Highlights: Global traffic distribution and intelligent DNS resolution.
  • Purpose: Achieve high availability and disaster recovery for applications across data centers.
  • Best for: Enterprises deploying business operations across multiple data centers or cloud platforms, requiring intelligent scheduling and disaster recovery.

🔑 APM (Access Policy Manager)

  • Highlights: Access policies and identity authentication.
  • Purpose: Provides secure remote access, single sign-on (SSO), and multi-factor authentication.
  • Best for: Remote work for employees, branch offices accessing headquarters systems.

🔥 AFM (Advanced Firewall Manager)

  • Highlights: High-performance data center firewall.
  • Purpose: Defends against large-scale DDoS attacks and network-layer threats.
  • Best for: Enterprise network exits frequently targeted by attacks, or requiring telecom-grade protection capabilities.

Choosing the Right Module

  • For traffic optimization and load balancing, start with BIG-IP LTM.
  • For multi-site or hybrid cloud environments, add BIG-IP DNS for global availability.
  • If application security is a priority, deploy Advanced WAF (ASM).
  • For secure user access and identity management, include BIG-IP APM.
  • For data center-grade firewall and DDoS protection, consider BIG-IP AFM.

The right combination depends on your requirements. Many organizations deploy LTM as the foundation, then add DNS, WAF, APM, or AFM as needs expand.

Licensing and Bundles

Standalone Licensing (A La Carte): Modules can be purchased separately (such as LTM, DNS, APM). Suitable for customers with single, clear requirements.

Bundled License:

  • Good: Typically includes only LTM.
  • Better: Adds DNS and AFM to Good.
  • Best (BT): Includes nearly all core modules, offering the most comprehensive functionality and the best value for money, such as F5-big-BT-r10800, it includes the LTM, AWF, LC and other modules.

Platform Flexibility: All modules are activated via TMOS software licensing, providing a consistent functional experience regardless of deployment on rSeries hardware or BIG-IP VE (virtual edition).

Build your own application service platform

The true value of F5 BIG-IP’s modular architecture lies in its flexibility and integration capabilities. You don’t need to purchase and maintain single-point products from multiple vendors. Instead, you can combine solutions on a unified platform to meet your business needs and scale for the future. Not sure which module combination is best for your business? Contact our F5 solution experts today for customized professional advice.