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f5 BIG-IP can do everything you need, and more!
February 17, 2020

f5 BIG-IP can do everything you need, and more!

Paul Luchini | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with F5 BIG-IP

We use f5 BIG-IP appliances in our data center for agency-wide traffic. Currently, we are using the local traffic manager (LTM) functionality to secure and load balance traffic. In the future, we are looking at implementing a global traffic manager (DNS) when we bring up a second data center to increase availability.
  • It is an extremely mature and stable platform with more available features than most users will require.
  • It is extremely flexible with features such as iRules that allow customization and programming.
  • You can't change objects' names or nodes' IP addresses.
  • If there are pending changes there is no way to see what they are.
  • It has enabled us to reduce unscheduled outages.
  • It has also allowed us to reduce the number of scheduled outages by allowing rolling updates/changes.
  • Microsoft Network Monitor (Discontinued)
Previously we were using Microsoft Network Load Balancing. In comparison to f5 BIG-IP, it was very limited and basic. It was also substantially less secure. One limitation was it only supported Windows Server, while BIG-IP supports any devices you want. Also, BIG-IP includes full firewall functionality, including NAT. Finally, BIG-IP also has many more options for configuring load balancing.
On the occasions when we've had to engage f5 support, they have been great. They have always resolved our issues quickly and been easy to work with and professional. The reason I give them a 10 out of 10, however, is because when we've had issues that have crossed over between the f5 BIG-IP, our Cisco switches, and our Microsoft IIS server the f5 support representatives have been extremely knowledgeable about every product and device involved and have been able to troubleshoot end-to-end without having to engage other vendors.

Do you think F5 BIG-IP delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with F5 BIG-IP's feature set?

Yes

Did F5 BIG-IP live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of F5 BIG-IP go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy F5 BIG-IP again?

Yes

The BIG-IP is definitely well suited to scale up for demanding and/or complex enterprise traffic management. Although currently, we're only scratching the surface of its capabilities it has not been too complex or difficult to implement and manage. Having said that, I don't know that it would be the best fit for smaller-scale deployments, as it would probably be overkill unless you needed several of the modules they offer. Although we are only using one module, we are making extensive use of it. Similar to products like the Check Point firewall, there are so many options and features available that the limiting factor is more likely to be administrator time or knowledge than the BIP-IP itself. The good thing is there are always more features and options to grow into if needed without having to find additional solutions.