HTTP Integration with WebLogic Server: Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Integrating Apache HTTP Server with Oracle WebLogic Server enhances load balancing, security, and scalability for enterprise applications. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of setting up Apache HTTP Server with WebLogic, addressing common issues and ensuring smooth communication between the two systems.

Step 1: Download Apache HTTP Server

First, download the latest version of Apache HTTP Server from the official website.

wget http://www.apache.org/dyn/closer.cgi/httpd/httpd-2.4.62.tar.gz

Step 2: Install OS Dependencies

Before installing Apache HTTP Server, ensure all required OS packages are installed. These dependencies include libraries that are essential for the HTTP server to function correctly.

sudo dnf install pcre pcre-devel openssl-devel expat-devel libtool

Step 3: Extract APR and HTTPD Files

Place the downloaded tar.gz files in the desired directory and extract them:

tar -xvzf apr-util-1.6.3.tar.gz
tar -xvzf apr-1.7.5.tar.gz
tar -xvzf httpd-2.4.62.tar.gz

Step 4: Configure and Install Apache HTTP Server

Rename the file as below and kept in folder of httpd/scrlib folder ,Navigate to the httpd directory, configure, and install the Apache HTTP Server using the following commands:

  mv apr-1.7.5 apr 
  mv apr-util-1.6.3 apr-util
  cd httpd-2.4.62
./configure --enable-so --enable-ssl --with-included-apr --with-mpm=event
make
sudo make install

Once installed, you can check the version:

cd /usr/local/apache2/bin/
./apachectl -v

Step 5: Download and Install WebLogic Plugin

To enable communication between Apache HTTP Server and WebLogic, download the WebLogic Plugin from Oracle's WebTier Downloads.

Once downloaded, place the following modules in the Apache HTTP Server module folder:

• mod_wl_24.so

• libdms2.so

• libonssys.so

Step 6: Configure HTTPD to Load WebLogic Plugin

Edit the httpd.conf file to load the WebLogic plugin module:

vi /usr/local/apache2/conf/httpd.conf

Add the following line to load the WebLogic module:

LoadModule weblogic_module /usr/local/apache2/modules/mod_wl_24.so

Step 7: Resolve OpenSSL and OS Dependency Issues

after adding the weblogic module I got the below exception while starting the httpd services.

httpd: Syntax error on line 153 of /usr/local/apache2/conf/httpd.conf: Cannot load /usr/local/apache2/modules/mod_wl>

If you encounter above errors then missing OpenSSL dependencies during configuration, follow these steps to resolve the issue.

1. Download and Install OpenSSL:

wget https://www.openssl.org/source/openssl-1.1.1o.tar.gz
tar -xvzf openssl-1.1.1o.tar.gz
cd openssl-1.1.1o/
./config
make
sudo make install

2. Install Perl Package (if needed):

If you face configuration issues due to Perl, install it as follows:

sudo yum install perl* -y

3. Create Symbolic Links for OpenSSL Libraries:

If you encounter libcrypto.so.1.1 and libssl.so.1.1 exceptions while starting HTTP services , create symbolic links to the libraries:

sudo find / -name libcrypto.so.1.1
sudo ln -s /opt/openssl-1.1.1o/libcrypto.so.1.1 /usr/lib64/libcrypto.so.1.1
sudo ln -s /opt/openssl-1.1.1o/libcrypto.so.1.1 /usr/lib/libcrypto.so.1.1

sudo find / -name libssl.so.1.1
sudo ln -s /opt/openssl-1.1.1o/libssl.so.1.1 /usr/lib64/libssl.so.1.1
sudo ln -s /opt/openssl-1.1.1o/libssl.so.1.1 /usr/lib/libssl.so.1.1

4. Resolve libdms2.so Exception:

Similarly, if you encounter issues with libdms2.so, create symbolic links:

sudo find / -name libdms2.so
sudo ln -s /usr/local/apache2/modules/libdms2.so /usr/lib64/libdms2.so
sudo ln -s /usr/local/apache2/modules/libdms2.so /usr/lib/libdms2.so

Step 8: Configure Virtual Hosts and Application Mapping

After successfully installing and configuring Apache HTTP Server with the WebLogic plugin, you can map applications using the httpd-vhosts.conf file with your application context path and added application host server IP and PORT.

For a single WebLogic instance:

vi /usr/local/apache2/conf/extra/httpd-vhosts.conf
<Location /context>
    SetHandler weblogic-handler
    WebLogicHost <WebLogic IP>
    WebLogicPort <Port Number>
</Location>

For a WebLogic Cluster:

<Location /context>
    SetHandler weblogic-handler
    WebLogicCluster <host1:port, host2:port>
</Location>

Conclusion

Integrating Apache HTTP Server with Oracle WebLogic involves a few technical steps, from installing dependencies and resolving configuration issues to mapping applications. With this guide, you can ensure a smooth integration and enhanced communication between your HTTP server and WebLogic application server.

Additional Resources

https://geekflare.com/apache-installation-troubleshooting/