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The Object Model

Almost everything you configure in DataPower is an object. A service is an object; so is a TLS profile, a front-side handler, an AAA policy, a log target, and a crypto key reference. Understanding this object model is the key that unlocks the whole product — once you see the pattern, every screen in the WebGUI makes sense.

Objects reference other objects​

Objects are composed by reference. A Multi-Protocol Gateway doesn't contain its handler and policy inline — it points at them. This lets you reuse the same TLS profile or AAA policy across many services.

Because references are shared, deleting an object that others depend on is blocked (or warned) — DataPower tracks the dependency graph for you.

Every object has two states​

This trips up newcomers constantly, so internalise it now:

  • Administrative state — what you asked for: enabled or disabled.
  • Operational state — what's actually true: up or down.

An object can be enabled (admin) but down (operational) — for example, a handler enabled on a port that's already in use will be admin-enabled but operationally down. When something "isn't working", your first question is always: is it up, or just enabled?

Naming and reuse​

  • Objects have a type (e.g. MultiProtocolGateway, SSLServerProfile) and a name unique within that type and domain.
  • Give objects clear, consistent names — they become references everywhere.
  • Prefer reusable shared objects (one TLS profile referenced by ten services) over copy-paste.

Where you see it​

  • In the WebGUI, the Objects menu lists every object type; each service page is really an editor for one object plus links to the objects it references.
  • In the CLI, you enter configuration mode for an object type and set its properties.
  • In config exports, each object is serialised as a block — which is why exports are portable between domains and devices.

Knowledge Check

A handler is "enabled" but the service still isn’t accepting traffic. What should you check first?

How are DataPower objects typically composed?