Internet Content Adaptation Protocol (ICAP) Support

The Internet Content Adaptation Protocol (ICAP) is designed to offload the processing of Internet-based content to dedicated servers. ICAP helps free up resources and standardize how features are implemented.

A proxy server, such as WebSEAL, can be configured to pass client requests and responses through ICAP servers. These ICAP servers can focus on specific, value-added services, and therefore be more efficient. For example, if an ICAP server handles language translation only, it might be more efficient than a web server that performs many additional tasks.

ICAP is a "lightweight" HTTP-like protocol. ICAP clients can pass HTTP-based (HTML) messages or content to ICAP servers for adaptation. Adaptation refers to performing the particular value added service, such as content manipulation, for the associated client request or response.

WebSEAL supports both TCP connections and SSL connections to the ICAP server.

For information, see Request For Comments (RFC) 3507 - Internet Content Adaptation Protocol (ICAP)

Example

Additional examples of ICAP server functions are: virus scanning, language translation, and content filtering.

Parent topic: Deployment