Connector classification

A good starting point is to establish a taxonomic basis for the connectors supported by Tomcat. In the wild, each connector can be completely described along three distinct axes—by usage scenario, by protocol, and by implementation technology. This is as demonstrated in the following table.

Usage scenario	Protocol	Implementation
Tomcat with external web server	AJP HTTP HTTPS	java.io java.nio APR
Tomcat standalone	HTTP HTTPS	java.io java.nio APR

Usage scenario

As we have seen in earlier chapters, Tomcat can run either in conjunction with an external web server, such as Apache's httpd, or it can run in standalone mode.

In conjunction mode, the external web server delegates to Tomcat for dynamic content that will be generated by its contained servlets and JSPs. Whereas, in standalone mode, Tomcat serves up both the static as well as dynamic content for the site.

Tomcat with external web server

Here the actual client is a web server connector module (for...