A network device connects between a client and a server. The network device is configured to store information regarding an application operating on the server; receive a first message, from the client, intended for the server; generate a second message in response to the first message; send the second message to the client; receive a third message from the client; generate, based on the information regarding the application on the server, a fourth message, that includes the information regarding the application operating on the server; send the fourth message to the client; receive a service request from the client in response to the fourth message; and establish, based on the service request, a connection between the client and the server.