A serious Oracle WebLogic Server (WLS) environment including Oracle Service Bus (OSB) infrastructure should be set up with at least one load balancing device which acts as a real endpoint.
An absolutely professional product is the load balancing device of “Layer 7 Technologies, Inc.”. Also they are providing a great XML gateway (Not all SOA and XML gateways are created equal. Over the past several years Layer 7 has established itself as a clear leader in the XML Gateway market for several reasons).
Actually you need a load balancing device and a XML gateway in such a SOA environment because soa security has absolutely priority! Many articles about Layer 7 Technologies and load balancing can be found here on zdnet.com.
Of course there can be a simple implementation with Apache’s round robin software Principe. The you don’t need any hardware load balancing device. But I think you run better and more secure with a hardware part.
Also I found some interesting blog article about “why not using a hardware load balancing device like Layer 7” here.
Whitepapers about Layer 7 :
Intelligent Layer 7 DoS and Brute Force Protection for Web Applications
Both Denial of Service DoS and Brute Force Attacks have existed for many years, and many network devices tout the ability to withstand them. However, most of today’s DoS attacks target layer 7 (L7) by overwhelming applications with seemingly valid requests and Brute Force programs can send more than one…
Provide Layer 7 load balancing and content customization on Cisco content switching solutions This sample chapter, taken from Designing Content Switching Solutions, introduces the Layer 7 load-balancing technology.This sample chapter, taken from Designing Content Switching Solutions, discusses the…
In 2011, it was recommended to set up a serious Oracle WebLogic Server WLS environment with at least one load balancing device for Oracle Service Bus OSB infrastructure. A highly professional product mentioned was the load balancing device from Layer Technologies Inc. However, it is important to evaluate if this information is still valid for the years 2021 to 2024.
Update for 2021-2024: As of 2024, the need for load balancing devices in a SOA environment, including Oracle WebLogic Server WLS and Oracle Service Bus OSB, is still crucial. Load balancing technology continues to play a significant role in ensuring the scalability and availability of web applications. While Layer Technologies Inc. remains a reputable provider in this space, there have been advancements in load balancing solutions offered by other vendors as well.
In today’s landscape, denial of service (DoS) attacks and brute force programs have become even more prevalent, targeting layer 7 by overwhelming applications with seemingly valid requests. This underscores the importance of having robust security measures, including load balancers with built-in protection mechanisms.
While hardware load balancing devices are still recommended for better performance and security, advancements in software-based load balancing solutions have also made significant progress. Organizations now have a wider range of options to choose from based on their specific requirements and budget.
Whitepapers and blog articles continue to provide insights into the latest trends and technologies in the load balancing space. It is essential for IT professionals to stay informed about the evolving threat landscape and best practices in network security.
In conclusion, while the fundamentals of load balancing for Oracle WebLogic Server WLS and Oracle Service Bus OSB remain relevant, there have been advancements in technology and security measures that organizations should consider in the years 2021 to 2024 to ensure a robust and resilient infrastructure.