IG As an HTTP Gateway

Most organizations have valuable existing services that are not easily integrated into newer architectures. These existing services cannot often be changed. Many client applications cannot communicate as they lack a gateway to bridge the gap. The following image illustrates an example of a missing gateway.

IG works as an HTTP gateway, based on reverse proxy architecture. IG is deployed on a network, so that it can intercept client requests and server responses. IG can check the identity of HTTP traffic, blocking requests without permission, and letting allowed requests pass. IG can also adapt requests and responses. For example, IG can add headers and change the message payload.

The following image illustrates how a request and response flow between a client and application:

Clients interact with protected servers through IG. IG can be configured to add new capabilities to existing services without affecting current clients or servers.

IG supports these capabilities as out of the box configuration options. Once you understand the essential concepts covered in this chapter, try the additional instructions in this guide to use IG to add other features.