apachetomcatmod-proxymod-jk

apache to tomcat: mod_jk vs mod_proxy

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using mod_jk and mod_proxy for fronting a tomcat instance with apache?

I've been using mod_jk in production for years but I've heard that it's "the old way" of fronting tomcat. Should I consider changing? Would there be any benefits?

Solution

  • A pros/cons comparison for those modules exists on http://blog.jboss.org/

    mod_proxy

    * Pros:
      o No need for a separate module compilation and maintenance. mod_proxy,
        mod_proxy_http, mod_proxy_ajp and mod_proxy_balancer comes as part of 
        standard Apache 2.2+ distribution
      o Ability to use http https or AJP protocols, even within the same 
        balancer.
* Cons:
      o mod_proxy_ajp does not support large 8K+ packet sizes.
      o Basic load balancer
      o Does not support Domain model clustering

    mod_jk

    * Pros:
      o Advanced load balancer
      o Advanced node failure detection
      o Support for large AJP packet sizes
* Cons:
      o Need to build and maintain a separate module