Chapter 15 Information About Cisco Unified Communications Proxy Features

Information About the Adaptive Security Appliance in Cisco Unified Communications

TLS Proxy: Decryption and inspection of Cisco Unified Communications encrypted signaling

End-to-end encryption often leaves network security appliances “blind” to media and signaling traffic, which can compromise access control and threat prevention security functions. This lack of visibility can result in a lack of interoperability between the firewall functions and the encrypted voice, leaving businesses unable to satisfy both of their key security requirements.

The ASA is able to intercept and decrypt encrypted signaling from Cisco encrypted endpoints to the Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Cisco UCM), and apply the required threat protection and access control. It can also ensure confidentiality by re-encrypting the traffic onto the Cisco UCM servers.

Typically, the ASA TLS Proxy functionality is deployed in campus unified communications network. This solution is ideal for deployments that utilize end to end encryption and firewalls to protect Unified Communications Manager servers.

Mobility Proxy: Secure connectivity between Cisco Unified Mobility Advantage server and Cisco Unified Mobile Communicator clients

Cisco Unified Mobility solutions include the Cisco Unified Mobile Communicator (Cisco UMC), an easy-to-use software application for mobile handsets that extends enterprise communications applications and services to mobile phones and the Cisco Unified Mobility Advantage (Cisco UMA) server. The Cisco Unified Mobility solution streamlines the communication experience, enabling single number reach and integration of mobile endpoints into the Unified Communications infrastructure.

The security appliance acts as a proxy, terminating and reoriginating the TLS signaling between the Cisco UMC and Cisco UMA. As part of the proxy security functionality, inspection is enabled for the Cisco UMA Mobile Multiplexing Protocol (MMP), the protocol between Cisco UMC and Cisco UMA.

Presence Federation Proxy: Secure connectivity between Cisco Unified Presence servers and Cisco/Microsoft Presence servers

Cisco Unified Presence solution collects information about the availability and status of users, such as whether they are using communication devices, such as IP phones at particular times. It also collects information regarding their communications capabilities, such as whether web collaboration or video conferencing is enabled. Using user information captured by Cisco Unified Presence, applications such as Cisco Unified Personal Communicator and Cisco UCM can improve productivity by helping users connect with colleagues more efficiently through determining the most effective way for collaborative communication.

Using the ASA as a secure presence federation proxy, businesses can securely connect their Cisco Unified Presence (Cisco UP) servers to other Cisco or Microsoft Presence servers, enabling intra-enterprise communications. The security appliance terminates the TLS connectivity between the servers, and can inspect and apply policies for the SIP communications between the servers.

Cisco Intercompany Media Engine Proxy: Secure connectivity between Cisco UCM servers in different enterprises for IP Phone traffic

As more unified communications are deployed within enterprises, cases where business-to-business calls utilize unified communications on both sides with the Public Switched Network (PSTN) in the middle become increasingly common. All outside calls go over circuits to telephone providers and from there are delivered to all external destinations.

The Cisco Intercompany Media Engine gradually creates dynamic, encrypted VoIP connections between businesses, so that a collection of enterprises that work together end up looking like one giant business with secure VoIP interconnections between them.

There are three components to a Cisco Intercompany Media Engine deployment within an enterprise: a Cisco Intercompany Media Engine server, a call agent (the Cisco Unified Communications Manager) and an ASA running the Cisco Intercompany Media Engine Proxy.

Cisco ASA Series Firewall ASDM Configuration Guide

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ASA Services Module, ASA 5555-X, ASA 5545-X, ASA 5585-X, ASA 5580 specifications

Cisco Systems has long been a leader in the field of network security, and its Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) series is a testament to this expertise. Within the ASA lineup, models such as the ASA 5505, ASA 5580, ASA 5585-X, ASA 5545-X, and ASA 5555-X stand out for their unique features, capabilities, and technological advancements.

The Cisco ASA 5505 is designed for small businesses or branch offices. It provides essential security features such as firewall protection, flexible VPN capabilities, and intrusion prevention. The ASA 5505 supports a user-friendly interface, allowing for straightforward management. Its built-in threat detection and prevention tools provide a layered defense, and with scalability in mind, it can accommodate various expansion options as organizational needs grow.

Moving up the line, the ASA 5580 delivers greater throughput and advanced security features. This model is suited for medium to large enterprises that require robust protection against increasingly sophisticated threats. Its multi-core architecture allows it to manage high volumes of traffic seamlessly while maintaining excellent performance levels. The ASA 5580 also supports application-layer security and customizable access policies, making it highly adaptable to diverse security environments.

The ASA 5585-X further enhances Cisco's security offerings with advanced malware protection and extensive security intelligence capabilities. It incorporates next-generation firewall features, including context-aware security, and supports advanced threat detection technologies. This model is ideal for large enterprises or data centers that prioritize security while ensuring uninterrupted network performance and availability.

For enterprises requiring a balance of performance and security, the ASA 5545-X presents a compelling option. This model features scalable performance metrics, high availability, and integrated advanced threat protection. Coupled with advanced endpoint protection and detailed monitoring capabilities, the ASA 5545-X enables organizations to manage their security posture effectively.

Lastly, the ASA 5555-X blends cutting-edge technologies with strong security infrastructures. It boasts high throughput and the ability to execute deep packet inspections. Its sophisticated architecture supports threat intelligence feeds that provide real-time security updates, making it a powerful tool against modern threats.

Each of these Cisco ASA models brings specific advantages to varied environments. Their integrative capabilities enable businesses to enhance their security postures while benefiting from seamless scalability and management. As cybersecurity threats evolve, these advanced appliances play a vital role in protecting valuable digital assets.
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