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Case Studies > Web Application Delivery for Education Learning System

Web Application Delivery for Education Learning System

Technology Category
  • Cybersecurity & Privacy - Network Security
  • Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
Applicable Industries
  • Education
Applicable Functions
  • Business Operation
  • Facility Management
Services
  • Cybersecurity Services
  • System Integration
The Challenge
McMaster University needed to replace its outdated WebCT 4.1 Learning Management System (LMS) with a more advanced and comprehensive system. The new system had to support e-Learning, course and student management, and include Web 2.0 collaborative features. Additionally, the university required an upgrade of the underlying system architecture, including both physical and virtual servers, to ensure high availability and to power the new features. An Application Delivery Controller was also needed to provide application acceleration, load balancing, and Layer 7 scripting with rewrite functionality. After researching various options, McMaster narrowed the choice to Citrix NetScaler, F5 Networks BIG-IP, Cisco ACE, and A10 Networks Application Delivery Controllers (ADC).
About The Customer
McMaster University is a leading university in Canada, known for its commitment to creativity, innovation, and excellence. With a student population of over 23,000, McMaster has excelled in inspiring critical thinking, personal growth, and a passion for learning. The university's unique 'McMaster Model' – a student-centered, problem-based, interdisciplinary approach to learning – has been adopted by universities around the world. McMaster is also one of four Canadian universities listed among the Top 100 universities globally, with more than 145,000 alumni in 128 countries.
The Solution
McMaster University chose the A10 Networks Application Delivery Controller (ADC) in a high availability configuration for maximum redundancy. The A10 ADC delivered twice the performance at half the price of competitors and met all functional requirements. Key features included web server load balancing, internal load balancing for Blackboard CORBA/IIOP, Layer 7 deep packet inspection and rewrite, and ASIC SSL acceleration. The A10 ADC successfully load balanced web server traffic, provided full proxy and routing for added security, and enabled URL rewrite capabilities to convert HTTP to HTTPS automatically. The ASIC SSL acceleration off-loaded compute-intensive functions from the LMS to the A10 ADC's dedicated processor, freeing resources on the load-balanced web servers. The A10 ADC's Advanced Core Operation System (ACOS) with Scalable Symmetrical Multiprocessing (SSMP) ensured that the Layer 7 deep packet inspection and replacement process did not impact performance.
Operational Impact
  • The A10 ADC provided web server load balancing, ensuring the fastest user response and optimal use of server resources.
  • The internal load balancing solution for Blackboard CORBA/IIOP eliminated a single point of failure, enhancing system reliability.
  • Layer 7 deep packet inspection and rewrite capabilities ensured secure communication by converting HTTP to HTTPS automatically.
Quantitative Benefit
  • Delivered twice the performance at half the price of competitors.
  • Reduced management and administration time by consolidating SSL certificates on the A10 ADC.

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