Anatomy of a SSL Connection
It is useful to conceptualize a CentraSite SSL connection in terms of a SSL client and a SSL server. The request for an SSL connection originates from a client.
During the SSL handshake process, the Mediatoracting as the SSL server responds to the request for a connection by presenting its SSL credentials (an X.509 certificate) to the requesting CentraSite client. If those credentials are authenticated by the CentraSite client, either:
An SSL connection is established and information can be exchanged between the
CentraSite and
Mediator.
—OR—
The next phase of the authentication process occurs, and the
Mediator requests the SSL credentials of the
CentraSite. If the
Mediator verifies those credentials (that is, the client’s identity), an SSL connection is established and information exchange can take place.
