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Smart Control Overview

The Smart Control feature allows you to define a common administrative function or, Smart Event that executes the function based on pre-set threshold values for system parameters and statistics. It is a method for administrators to configure the system to automatically perform functions that may be dependent on threshold values or timing.

Smart Control IS NOT something that makes Layer 4 or Layer 7 traffic management decisions or individual requests. It was designed to provide automated control framework for ADC administrators for the automatic execution of scheduled tasks such as a system back up, or tasks performed at specific time intervals, and can be used to execute functions based on operating environment or conditions.

Why PHP?

An automated function in Smart Control is called a Smart Event. An example of a Smart Event would be if you specify that when the number of active servers in a particular cluster falls below a certain value a currently quiesced server could become active. Smart Events are configured using PHP scripting. PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a server-side scripting language designed for web development but can also be used as a general-purpose programming language as it is in this case.With Smart Control you can create custom PHP scripts that automatically execute the desired function. Custom extensions for PHP allow you read and write to Load Balancing objects.

PHP.net is a valuable resource for documentation, events, training, user groups, and recommended reading for all levels of PHP programming.

You can create Smart Events using PHP scripting with either the CLI or GUI.

As a prerequisite for using Smart Control, it is highly recommended that you are familiar with PHP scripting and are knowledgeable of how load balancing objects are identified in the CLI.