It’s not always necessary or feasible to deploy acceleration devices at every corporate site. But for those instances where it makes sense to have devices at both ends of key connections, F5 Networks now offers support for two-ended acceleration in its Big-IP gear.

The new version of F5’s WebAccelerator software, unveiled late last month, can accelerate Web application traffic between two Big-IP devices. Customers can locate a device in a data center and in a remote office, for example, to speed end-users’ access to Web applications and content.

“The new release of the Big-IP WebAccelerator enables customers to mix and match between the typical asymmetric Web connection or, for even greater WAN performance, connecting remote office locations in a symmetric deployment,” according to analyst Michael Brandenburg, who covers enterprise network systems at research firm Current Analysis.

F5 says the technology is geared for remote and mobile users, however in a recent research brief, Brandenburg says the price tag makes it best suited for large remote locations.

“…while the new functionality allows its customers to enjoy significant Web application performance increases at its remote offices, the costs of deployment will limit its deployment to larger enterprise locations,” Brandenburg says.

Adding the WebAccelerator module to an existing Big-IP traffic management appliance costs $14,995. As a stand-alone appliance, the Big-IP WebAccelerator 4500 costs $39,995. For existing WebAccelerator customers, the new features are available as a free upgrade.

Brandenburg recommends F5 find a way to lower those costs. “F5 should look to offer a scaled down version of the stand-alone appliance, offering enterprises the ability to achieve the performance gains of symmetric deployments in their small and medium-sized locations,” he says. “It would also allow smaller enterprises to take advantage of the appliance.”

The new version of F5’s WebAccelerator module and WebAccelerator 4500 will be available in the third quarter, according to the company.

Ann Bednarz is associate news editor at Network World.