A BIG-IP system receives a client connection destined to 1.0.0.10:8080. Multiple virtual servers are configured on the system. Which virtual server…

The BIG-IP system selects a virtual server based on the principle of most specific match. The matching logic prioritizes the destination IP address first, followed by the destination port. A virtual server configured with the exact destination IP and port (1.0.0.10:8080) is the most specific match for the incoming connection. This exact match takes precedence over any virtual servers configured with wildcard IP addresses (e.g., 0.0.0.0) or wildcard ports (e.g., any or 0). The virtual server's availability, indicated by a green status, is also a prerequisite for it to process the connection.

A. This is the least specific match, using a wildcard for both IP and port, and would only be selected if no more specific virtual server exists.

B. This is less specific than an exact IP and port match because it uses a wildcard port, even though the IP address matches.

D. This is less specific than an exact IP and port match because it uses a wildcard IP address, which has a lower precedence than a specific IP.

1. F5 Networks. (2021). BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager: Concepts, 16.1. "About Virtual Servers," Section: "Virtual server matching." The documentation states, "The BIG-IP system checks for a virtual server that is a specific match for the destination IP address and service port of the packet."

2. F5 Networks. (2021, May 18). K14800: Order of precedence for virtual server matching. F5 Knowledge Base. This article explicitly details the matching order, confirming that a specific destination IP address and port is the highest priority match.

3. F5 Networks. (2021). BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager: Concepts, 16.1. "About Virtual Servers," Section: "Virtual server availability." This section explains that a virtual server's availability (e.g., green status) determines its ability to process traffic.