2/6     What is the best way to do load balancing using Apache? Is there
        such thing as a load balancing HW router that can re-route based on
        HTTP header request (in the application layer)?
        \_ Cisco's Local Director. F5's stuff.
           \_ I first liked F5, and then their boxes started crashing with
              extensive load. If you use any SSL connections, [SSL requires
              session state], than don't go with F5.
        \_ also arrowpoint, or if you dont want to spend $20k per box, you can
           use the FREE linux virtual server. http://www.linuxvirtualserver.org
                \_ Unless you want a stable and functional system for your
                   multi million dollar web corporation.
                   \_ Hey, if you have a multimillion dollar web corporation
                       then you wont mind paying $50k for a proper commercial
                       solution.
                       \_ First rule of coporate IS management.  Why hack
                         something when you can just BUY it?
                         \_ Exactly my point.  If you _need_ load balancing,
                            you can afford to _buy_ load balancing and the
                            price is just the cost of doing business.  No big
                            deal.  If you wince at the price, you didn't need
                            it (even if you thought you did).  If you were
                            being sarcastic, which I think you were, I have
                            intentionally ignored the sarcasm because what you
                            say is true whether you think so or not.  I don't
                            run my systems on a "hack".
                        \_ Except that what you get probably is an x86 PC
                        with a slightly modified Linux or *BSD on it. Just put
                        it in a fancy sealed case, call it ... "appliance" and
                        demand an exorbitant amout of money for it. Works
                        every time. The oldest product on the load balancing
                        router market is Coyote Point Equalizer and it uses
                        FreeBSD.        -muchandr
                        \_ Yup and I get tech supprt and I keep my job when it
                           keels over and I know there are people on the other
                           side working on it everyday to keep their jobs, not
                           just for kicks when they feel like it.  If you can't
                           afford the price, you didn't need it.  Try telling
                           the CEO that you saved him $20k but killed his
                           company.  It'll go much easier if you can point a
                           finger at the vendor and pressure them to fix it
                           *now*.  If you're running your own startup, you can
                           try explaining to the VC's how you saved $20k of
                           their money but lost the $15m+ they gave you in
                           funding.  Welcome to the business world.  CYA.