Host Labels
You configure host labels in the Host Labels page.
Host labels are names given to sets of hostnames and subnets to streamline configuration. Host labels provide flexibility because you can create a logical set of hostnames to use in place of a destination IP/subnet and then apply a rule, such as a QoS rule or an in-path rule, to the entire set instead of creating individual rules for each hostname or IP subnet.
When you define hostnames in host labels (as opposed to subnets), RiOS performs a DNS query and retrieves a set of IP addresses that correspond to that fully qualified domain name (hostname). It uses these IP addresses to match the destination IP addresses for a rule using the host label. You can also specify a set of IP subnets in a host label to use as the destination IP addresses for a rule using the host label.
Host labels are compatible with autodiscovery, pass-through, and fixed-target (not packet mode) in-path rules. Host labels are not compatible with IPv6.
Host labels are optional.
When to Use
You can define a set of file servers in a host label, use that host label in a single QoS or in-path rule, and apply a policy limiting all IP traffic to and from the servers (independent of what protocol or application is in use).
Other ways to use host labels:
• List multiple dedicated application servers by hostname in a single rule and apply a policy
• List multiple business websites and servers to protect
• List recreational websites to restrict
Note: When you configure QoS and path selection for RiOS 9.0, SteelHeads using host or port labels must be assigned to the Global group. For detailed information about assigning policies to groups, see
Assigning Policies to Appliances and Groups.
Important: If you intend to use host labels with clusters, you must configure host labels in a policy before you can perform a cluster push.
For detailed information on configuring host labels, see the SteelHead Management Console User’s Guide for SteelHead CX.
Complete the configuration as described in this table.
Control | Description |
Add a New Host Label | Displays the controls to add a new host label. |
Name | Specify the label name; for example, YouTube. These rules apply: • Host label names are case sensitive and can be any string consisting of letters, numbers, the underscore ( _ ), or the hyphen ( - ). There cannot be spaces in host labels. • Riverbed suggests starting the name with a letter or underscore. • To avoid confusion, don’t use a number for a host label. • You cannot delete host labels that a QoS or in-path rule is using. |
Hostnames/Subnets | Specify a comma-separated list of hostnames and subnets. Hostnames are not case sensitive. You can also separate hostname and subnet names with spaces or new lines. Use this format: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx/xx where /xx is a subnet mask value between 0 and 32. A host label can be a fully qualified domain name. A hostname can appear in multiple host labels. You can use up to 100 unique hostnames. A host label can contain up to 64 subnets and hostnames. |
Remove Selected | Select the check box next to the name and click Remove Selected. You cannot delete host labels that a QoS or in-path rule is using. |
Add New Host Label | Adds the host label. The page updates the host label table with the new host label. Because the system resolves new hostnames through the DNS, wait a few seconds and then refresh your browser. |