Session Timeout Occurs from a Server Located Behind a Cisco LocalDirector (256605)

We strongly recommend that all users upgrade to Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) version 6.0 running on Microsoft Windows Server 2003. IIS 6.0 significantly increases Web infrastructure security. For more information about IIS security-related topics, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/prodtech/IIS.mspx

SYMPTOMS

When users connect to a Web site that is hosted on Web servers positioned behind a Cisco LocalDirector, they may be disconnected from a Web site and receive the following error message:

Your session has timed out please log in again

CAUSE

The sticky settings on the Cisco LocalDirector are not set correctly, or have been modified. Clients are not being directed to the same server behind the LocalDirector. The ASP sessions on the servers that the client previously reached time out and send the error message.

RESOLUTION

Reconfigure the LocalDirector using the sticky command to ensure that the same client reaches the same server behind the LocalDirector. Information about configuring a Cisco LocalDirector can be obtained from a Cisco vendor or from the Cisco Web site.

MORE INFORMATION

The sticky command ensures that the client (based on IP address) reaches the same server throughout the course of the transaction, and is used primarily when requiring consistent or constant connections to the same server (similar to affinity in the Windows NT Load Balancing Service). The sticky command measures a period of inactivity in the client. After the timeout elapses, the client requests may be sent to another server.

The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.