topic Re: Cortex XDR_Broker VM Cluster and Externel Load Balancer with active/active applets usage. in Cortex XDR Discussions

Cortex XDR_Broker VM Cluster and Externel Load Balancer with active/active applets usage.

KVishwan — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 08:18:20 GMT

For Cortex XDR with XDR Pro licenses
I would like to know if we can set up a Broker VM in cluster for "active/active" applets, Is it mandatory to have a external load balancer or is there any alternatives, Is it possible to use Global load balancers. Please provide more info or relevant links to refer.

Re: Cortex XDR_Broker VM Cluster and Externel Load Balancer with active/active applets usage.

mshamamulla — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 09:22:49 GMT

Yes, you can set up a Broker VM cluster to support Active/Active applets, But it requires an external network-based load balancer (LB) because the Broker VM does not have a native traffic-distribution mechanism

https://knowledgebase.paloaltonetworks.com/KCSArticleDetail?id=kA14u000000PR4cCAG

Re: Cortex XDR_Broker VM Cluster and Externel Load Balancer with active/active applets usage.

KVishwan — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 10:00:56 GMT

What if I am not connecting it to Internet and Do I still need external network-based load balancer (LB) ?

Re: Cortex XDR_Broker VM Cluster and Externel Load Balancer with active/active applets usage.

mshamamulla — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 10:16:02 GMT

Cluster Mode: Active/Active.
External LB Requirement: Yes (mandatory for traffic distribution).
Broker VM Internet Requirement: Yes (required for cloud communication/sync)
Endpoint Internet Requirement: No (if connecting via Broker VM Agent Proxy).