F5-CTS-LTM BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager Practice Question
An administrator wants to use a single Virtual Server to handle both HTTP and HTTPS traffic for the same domain. What is the recommended way to achieve this?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often attempt to handle both HTTP and HTTPS using a single virtual server without realizing that separate ports require distinct virtual server definitions.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use two Virtual Servers and an iRule to redirect port 80 to 443.
The most efficient way to manage both HTTP and HTTPS is to create two separate virtual servers: one on port 80 and one on port 443. The port 80 virtual server should then use an iRule to redirect users to the HTTPS virtual server. This ensures that all traffic is encrypted while providing a seamless user experience, as the user only needs to type the domain name to be redirected correctly.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use a single Virtual Server on port 80 with an iRule to handle SSL.
Why it's wrong here
A standard Virtual Server on port 80 cannot perform SSL handshakes. SSL requires a Virtual Server configured with an SSL profile on port 443. While an iRule can handle logic, it cannot force a port 80 listener to become an SSL-capable endpoint without the proper profile configuration.
- ✓
Use two Virtual Servers and an iRule to redirect port 80 to 443.
Why this is correct
This is the industry-standard approach. The port 80 VS simply performs a '301 Moved Permanently' or '302 Found' redirect to the HTTPS URL. The HTTPS VS then contains the SSL profile and the backend pool configuration, ensuring secure communication for all clients once they are redirected.
- ✗
Use a single Virtual Server with 'Any' port enabled.
Why it's wrong here
While an 'Any' port virtual server will catch all traffic, it is insecure and difficult to manage. You would still need separate logic or profiles for SSL, making the configuration complex and prone to errors. It is much cleaner and more secure to use two dedicated virtual servers.
- ✗
Create one Virtual Server on 443 and disable port 80.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling port 80 entirely will cause any users who type 'http://' to receive a connection error. This provides a poor user experience. The goal is to provide a redirect, not to break the HTTP entry point, so that users reach the secure site automatically and professionally.
About these practice questions
This F5-CTS-LTM question is part of Courseiva's 119-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official F5 exam blueprint
This F5-CTS-LTM practice question is part of Courseiva's free F5 certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the F5-CTS-LTM exam.