ArcGIS Web Adaptor is a software application that runs on an existing corporate website and forwards requests to server machines. It allows GIS integration with existing web servers and security mechanisms; it is required for use with Integrated Windows Authentication. The web adaptor is a platform independent of the ArcGIS Server and does not have to match the operating system of the ArcGIS Server site. This means a site composed of Linux machines can deploy ArcGIS Web Adaptor (IIS) to work with ArcGIS Server.
Key Facts
- Purpose: The Web Adaptor acts as a bridge between your existing website and ArcGIS Server or Portal for ArcGIS, forwarding requests to the appropriate machines.
- Integration: It allows you to integrate ArcGIS Server or Portal for ArcGIS with your organization’s existing web server, enabling you to host web applications that utilize GIS services.
- Security: The Web Adaptor enables you to use your organization’s identity store and security policies at the web-tier level. This includes authentication methods like Integrated Windows Authentication and support for custom authentication experiences.
- Site Name and Ports: The Web Adaptor allows you to expose ArcGIS Server or Portal for ArcGIS through a site name other than the default, and it also enables you to use port 80 or 443 for access.
- Platform Independence: The Web Adaptor is platform independent, meaning it can be deployed on different operating systems than the ArcGIS Server or Portal for ArcGIS it is being used with.
- Configuration: After installation, the Web Adaptor needs to be properly configured to work with the server site. This includes adding or removing server machines and installing multiple Web Adaptors for high availability and secure access.
Purpose
The Web Adaptor acts as a bridge between your existing website and ArcGIS Server or Portal for ArcGIS, forwarding requests to the appropriate machines.
Integration
It allows you to integrate ArcGIS Server or Portal for ArcGIS with your organization’s existing web server, enabling you to host web applications that utilize GIS services.
Security
The Web Adaptor enables you to use your organization’s identity store and security policies at the web-tier level. This includes authentication methods like Integrated Windows Authentication and support for custom authentication experiences.
Site Name and Ports
The Web Adaptor allows you to expose ArcGIS Server or Portal for ArcGIS through a site name other than the default, and it also enables you to use port 80 or 443 for access.
Platform Independence
The Web Adaptor is platform independent, meaning it can be deployed on different operating systems than the ArcGIS Server or Portal for ArcGIS it is being used with.
Configuration
After installation, the Web Adaptor needs to be properly configured to work with the server site. This includes adding or removing server machines and installing multiple Web Adaptors for high availability and secure access.
Sources
- https://enterprise.arcgis.com/en/server/latest/install/windows/about-the-arcgis-web-adaptor.htm
- https://enterprise.arcgis.com/en/portal/10.3/administer/windows/about-the-arcgis-web-adaptor.htm
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-arcgis-web-adaptor-acorn-information-solutions
FAQs
What is a Web Adaptor?
A Web Adaptor is a component used in the ArcGIS platform, specifically in ArcGIS Server, to integrate the server with a web server. It acts as a bridge between the ArcGIS Server and the web server, allowing clients to access and interact with GIS services over the internet.
How does a Web Adaptor work?
A Web Adaptor works by intercepting and forwarding requests from the web server to the ArcGIS Server. When a client makes a request for a GIS service, such as a map or feature service, the Web Adaptor receives the request and passes it to the ArcGIS Server. The server processes the request and sends the response back to the Web Adaptor, which then forwards it to the web server and ultimately to the client.
What are the benefits of using a Web Adaptor?
Using a Web Adaptor offers several benefits, including:
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- Enhanced security: The Web Adaptor allows administrators to secure their GIS services by leveraging the security features of the web server, such as SSL encryption and authentication.
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- Improved scalability: By offloading some of the processing tasks to the web server, a Web Adaptor can help distribute the workload and improve the scalability of the ArcGIS Server.
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- Flexible deployment: A Web Adaptor enables the deployment of ArcGIS Server behind a firewall or in a demilitarized zone (DMZ), providing more flexibility in network architecture.
How is a Web Adaptor different from ArcGIS Server?
ArcGIS Server is the core component of the ArcGIS platform that provides GIS services, such as map services, geoprocessing services, and feature services. On the other hand, a Web Adaptor is an optional component that allows external clients to access and interact with those services over the web. In other words, ArcGIS Server is responsible for hosting the services, while the Web Adaptor facilitates their accessibility through web servers.
Can a Web Adaptor be used with different web servers?
Yes, a Web Adaptor can be used with different web servers. It is designed to work with popular web server software, such as Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) and Apache HTTP Server. The Web Adaptor installation process typically includes configuring it to integrate with a specific web server software.
Is a Web Adaptor necessary for accessing ArcGIS services?
No, a Web Adaptor is not necessary for accessing ArcGIS services within a local network. If you are accessing GIS services only within your organization’s network, you can directly connect to the ArcGIS Server without the need for a Web Adaptor. However, if you want to make those services available over the internet or through a web server, a Web Adaptor becomes necessary.