Many Web servers support special modules that make it possible for the Web server to interact with other applications and servers. The Corda® Redirector is one such module.
When installed on a Web server, the Corda Redirector allows the Web server to handle client requests for Corda images and Highwire™ documents. The Web server receives the request and redirects it to your Corda Server™. Your Corda Server returns the generated image or document to the Web server, which then redirects it to the client's browser. This process is known as HTTP redirection.
Note: The Corda Redirector only redirects client-based communication to the Corda Server’s external server port. Corda Embedder traffic uses the internal Corda Server comm port, and should only take place behind a firewall for security reasons. For more information, see Using HTTP Redirection.
There are two major reasons to use the Corda Redirector:
To avoid opening another port through a firewall
If Corda Server resides behind a firewall on a port other than 80, users outside of the firewall are unable to see Corda Server images and documents unless you specifically open its port to the outside world. HTTP redirection lets users access Corda Server resources through port 80.
To provide security for your Corda Server
HTTP redirection lets you take advantage of a Web server's secure Web communications (SSL or HTTPS) to serve Corda Server images and documents to Web users.
Important: The Corda Server Servlet cannot be used with Corda Redirector.
For general information about how HTTP redirection affects the Web development process, see the first section of this chapter, Using HTTP Redirection.
The Corda Redirector is available for the following Web servers:
The remainder of this chapter discusses setting up HTTP redirection with these Web servers.