BIGIP

BIG-IP is a family of application delivery controllers and related software and hardware from F5 Networks that optimizes the delivery, security, and reliability of applications across data centers and cloud environments.

Key components include Local Traffic Manager (LTM) for load balancing and traffic management at L4–L7; BIG-IP DNS (formerly Global Traffic Manager) for global server load balancing; Application Security Manager (ASM) a web application firewall; Access Policy Manager (APM) for secure access and identity management. The platform also supports iRules, a Tcl-based scripting language for traffic customization, iApps templates for application deployments, and the iControl REST API for management. BIG-IP can run on hardware appliances, the VIPRION chassis, or as BIG-IP Virtual Editions in virtualized and cloud environments.

BIG-IP runs the TMOS Traffic Management Operating System, which directs, secures, and accelerates traffic in front of applications. It provides L4–L7 load balancing, TLS offloading, TCP optimization, and application acceleration, along with health monitoring and policy enforcement.

Deployment options include physical appliances, modular VIPRION systems, and virtual editions for on-premises and cloud use. High availability is supported through redundant devices and failover, and features such as global load balancing and automation via APIs support scalable, resilient architectures.

Common use cases include distributing requests across multiple servers, offloading SSL, securing web applications with a WAF, enabling secure access to apps, and protecting APIs. The platform also offers analytics and reporting to monitor performance and security posture.

Since its introduction, BIG-IP has been adopted across industries including finance, government, and e-commerce, serving as a core component of modern application delivery and security strategies in hybrid environments.