Course:

Course Description

This course includes lectures, labs, and discussions. Throughout this course you will have access to a BIG-IP that uses a typical Internal-External VLAN architecture with a pool of servers (HTTP, HTTPS, SSH, FTP, etc) along with web application servers. In the lab for this module, you will license the BIG-IP, set up the Internal and External VLANs, and create the Pools and Virtual Servers that you will use as part of your troubleshooting exercises.

In addition to the topics above, lab exercises will provide a chance to practice troubleshooting problems using the BIG-IP information, troubleshooting methodology, and tools that you have learned.

Outline

Chapter 1: Setting Up the BIG-IP System

Introducing the BIG-IP System
Initially Setting Up the BIG-IP System
Archiving the BIG-IP Configurations
Leveraging F5 Support Resources and Tools

Chapter 2: Reviewing Local Traffic Configuration

Reviewing Nodes, Pools, and Virtual Servers
Reviewing Address Translation
Reviewing Routing Assumptions
Reviewing Application Health Monitoring
Reviewing Traffic Behavior Modification with Profiles
Reviewing the TMOS Shell (TMSH)
Reviewing Managing BIG-IP Configuration Data

Chapter 3: Troubleshooting Methodology

Troubleshooting Methodology
Troubleshooting Methodology Steps
Step 1: Define the Problem
Step 2: Gather Information
Step 3: Define Hypotheses
Step 4: Develop a Test Plan
Steps 5 and 6: Implement the Plan and Observe the Results
Step 7: Repeat as Necessary
Documenting a Problem
Putting the Troubleshooting Steps to Use

Chapter 4: Working with F5 Support

Leveraging AskF5
Finding Resources on DevCentral
Using the BIG-IP iHealth System
Working with F5 Technical Support
Running End User Diagnostics (EUD)
Requesting Return Materials Authorization
Understanding F5’s Software Version Policy
Managing Upgrades and Hotfixes
Managing the BIG-IP License for Upgrades
Managing BIG-IP Disk Space
Upgrading BIG-IP Software

Chapter 5: Product Architecture

Architecture Overview
AOM
Switch Fabric
Host Subsystem

Chapter 6: Troubleshooting – Bottom to Top

Host Architecture
Layer 1/Layer 2 Tools
Layer 2/Layer 3 Tools
Layer 3 Tools
Linux Tools
Memory and CPU watch
Additional tmsh commands
End-User Diagnostics (EUD)

Chapter 7: Troubleshooting Tools

tcpdump
Wireshark
Fiddler
diff
KDiff3
ssldump
cURL

Chapter 8: Using System Logs

System Log Configuration
Log Files
BIG-IP Daemons
Triggering an iRule
Deploying and Testing iRules

Chapter 9: Troubleshooting Lab Projects

Network Configurations for Projects

Chapter 10: Additional Training and Certification

Getting Started Series Web-Based Training
F5 Instructor Led Training Curriculum
F5 Professional Certification Program

Appendix A: Support Requirements

L1 and L2 Partner Support Requirements

Appendix B: iApps Template Usage

Overview
iApps Template Information
Lab Expected Results
iApps Template

Appendix C: Initial Configuration Steps

Audience

This course is intended for networking professionals who need to learn how to troubleshoot a BIG-IP.

Prerequisites

Students must complete one of the following F5 prerequisites before attending this course:

Administering BIG-IP instructor-led course
F5 Certified BIG-IP Administrator
OSI model encapsulation
Routing and switching
Ethernet and ARP
TCP/IP concepts
IP addressing and subnetting
NAT and private IP addressing
Default gateway
Network firewalls
LAN vs. WAN
HTTP, HTTPS, FTP and SSH protocols

What You Will Learn

After completing this course, students will learn:

Configuration Project
Troubleshooting Methodology
F5 Support
BIG-IP Product Architecture
Troubleshooting - Bottom to Top
Troubleshooting Tools
Using System Logs

F5LTMT12: F5 Networks Troubleshooting BIG-IP v12