Multi-homed web server

Abstract

A multi-homed web server is disclosed including web server software configured to provide a plurality of virtual hosts. A configuration sub-file derived from a master configuration file is provided and associated with each of the virtual hosts. The web server software processes incoming connection requests according to rules contained in the master configuration file.

1 . A multi-homed web server comprising: 
 web server software operable on a physical machine, the web server software configured to provide a plurality of virtual hosts, each of said virtual hosts having an associated configuration sub-file derived from a master configuration file;    the web server software being further configured to process an incoming connection request according to rules contained in said master configuration file.    
     
     
         2 . The multi-homed web server of  claim 1 , wherein either of the IP address or name of the virtual host to which the connection request is directed is identified.  
     
     
         3 . The multi-homed web server of  claim 2 , wherein the master configuration file is consulted to determine what level of connection scrutiny is applicable for the identified virtual host.  
     
     
         4 . The multi-homed web server of  claim 1 , wherein the master configuration file is consulted to determine what level of connection scrutiny is applicable for the source of the connection request.  
     
     
         5 . The multi-homed web server of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of modules for processing particular types of connection requests.  
     
     
         6 . The multi-homed web server of  claim 5 , wherein the master configuration file is consulted to determine which of said plurality of modules is appropriate for said connection request.  
     
     
         7 . A multi-homed web server comprising: 
 web server means providing a plurality of virtual host means;    a plurality of configuration sub-file means derived from a master configuration file means, each of the configuration sub-file means being associated with a particular virtual host means; and    means for processing an incoming connection request according to rules contained in said master configuration file means.    
     
     
         8 . The multi-homed web server of  claim 7 , wherein either of the IP address or name of the virtual host means to which the connection request is directed is identified.  
     
     
         9 . The multi-homed web server of  claim 8 , further comprising means for consulting said master configuration file means for determining what level of connection scrutiny is applicable for the identified virtual host.  
     
     
         10 . The multi-homed web server of  claim 7 , further comprising means for consulting said master configuration file means for determining what level of connection scrutiny is applicable for the identified virtual host.  
     
     
         11 . The multi-homed web server of  claim 7 , further comprising a plurality of module means for processing particular types of connection requests.  
     
     
         12 . The multi-homed web server of  claim 11 , further comprising means for consulting said master configuration file means for determining which a said plurality of module means is appropriate for said connection request.  
     
     
         13 . A multi-homed web server comprising: 
 a physical machine including web server software;    the web server software configured to provide a plurality of virtual hosts;    configuration sub-file derived from a master configuration file and associated with each of said virtual hosts; and    wherein the web server software processes incoming connection requests according to rules contained in said master configuration file.    
     
     
         14 . The multi-homed web server of  claim 13 , wherein either of the IP address or name of the virtual host to which the connection request is directed is identified.  
     
     
         15 . The multi-homed web server of  claim 14 , wherein the master configuration file is consulted to determine what level of connection scrutiny is applicable for the identified virtual host.  
     
     
         16 . The multi-homed web server of  claim 13 , wherein the master configuration file is consulted to determine what level of connection scrutiny is applicable for the source of the connection request.  
     
     
         17 . The multi-homed web server of  claim 13 , further comprising a plurality of modules for processing particular types of connection requests.  
     
     
         18 . The multi-homed web server of  claim 17 , wherein the master configuration file is consulted to determine which of said plurality of modules is appropriate for said connection request.