Content-Based Router

Message-routing pattern of integration hubs.

Definition

Rather than fixed routing, the Content-Based Router inspects the message (header, transaction type, partner code, an element's value) and applies rules to pick one output channel among several. It centralizes dispatch logic and stays the single place to change when a new target is added.

Origin

Described as the "Content-Based Router" pattern in Enterprise Integration Patterns by Gregor Hohpe and Bobby Woolf (Addison-Wesley, 2003).

Example in context

A hub reads the UNH message type (ORDERS, INVOIC, DESADV) and routes ORDERS to the order module, INVOIC to accounts payable and DESADV to logistics.

Related terms

• Message Broker — the hub that often hosts the router.
• VETRO — the pipeline's Route stage.