The Sticky Decision Function is a mechanism specific to ClusterXL Load Sharing modes (Unicast and Multicast). Its purpose is to ensure that connections from a specific source to a specific destination are always handled by the same cluster member. This is critical for protocols that cannot tolerate being switched between members mid-session. In a High Availability configuration, only one member is active, so there is no load to share and thus no need for this function.

B. All connections are processed and synchronized by the pivot: The pivot member (in LS Unicast mode) distributes traffic but does not process all connections; processing is shared among members.

C. Is configured using cpconfig: The Sticky Decision Function is configured by editing the cphalscfg.conf file on the Security Management Server, not through the cpconfig utility.

D. Is only relevant when using SecureXL: The Sticky Decision Function is a core ClusterXL mechanism that operates independently of whether SecureXL is enabled or accelerating traffic.

1. Check Point. (2023). R81.20 ClusterXL Administration Guide. Chapter: "ClusterXL Advanced Concepts", Section: "The Sticky Decision Function". The guide explicitly states, "The Sticky Decision Function is a mechanism that assigns a specific cluster member to handle connections from a certain source." It is described entirely within the context of Load Sharing.