BIG-IP uses a virtual server matching and precedence algorithm to determine which virtual server processes an incoming connection. This decision is made entirely in the data plane and is based on how specifically a virtual server matches the destination IP address and port.
BIG-IP Virtual Server Selection Rules (Simplified):
When multiple virtual servers could match a packet, BIG-IP selects the most specific match, using the following precedence:
Exact IP address and exact port
Exact IP address with wildcard port (port 0 / any)
Wildcard IP address with exact port
Wildcard IP address and wildcard port
Applying the Rules to This Scenario:
Incoming traffic destination: 1.0.0.10:8080
Option C: 1.0.0.10:8080
Exact IP match
Exact port match
Highest possible specificity
If the virtual server is available (green), it wins the match
Option B: 1.0.0.10:any
Exact IP match, but wildcard port
Lower priority than an exact IP + exact port match
Option D: 0.0.0.0:8080
Option A: 0.0.0.0:any
Wildcard IP and wildcard port
Lowest priority, used only if no more specific virtual server exists
Final Determination:
Because a virtual server configured with destination 1.0.0.10:8080 exactly matches both the IP address and port of the incoming connection—and is available—it will always be selected to process the traffic.
Key Data Plane Concept Reinforced:
BIG-IP always processes traffic using the most specific matching virtual server. Exact destination IP and port matches take precedence over any wildcard or forwarding virtual server definitions.
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