Apache Web Server returns Connection Refused

[Swapneel Killekar]

I am using the setup as defined below,

1. Apache (HTTP) Web Server (AWS) + Mod_JK
Port : 8080
Acts as a load balancer, which has 2 Workers as given below.

2. Jboss AS (Running My Application)
Worker 1
Port : 8180
Port AJP : 8109

3. Jboss AS (Running My Application)
Worker 2
Port : 8280
Port AJP : 8209

Here all the clients send the request to AWS which internally distributes the load between Worker1 and Worker 2.
In performance labs when i hit the AWS with 2000 request simultaneously, the AWS returns Connection refused. JBOSS AS is configured and tested with 1000 request at once and was working fine, so i am sure its not related to JBOSS.

Kindly let me know what performance related attributes can be set in AWS to handle this load.

Regards,
Swapneel Killekar.