Appendix A System Architecture

MainApp

Control transactions involve the following types of requests:

•Request to update the configuration data of an application instance

•Request for the diagnostic data of an application instance

•Request to reset the diagnostic data of an application instance

•Request to restart an application instance

•Request for ARC, such as a block request

Control transactions have the following characteristics:

•They always consist of a request followed by a response.

The request and response may have an arbitrary amount of data associated with them. The response always includes at least a positive or negative acknowledgment.

•They are point-to-point transactions.

Control transactions are sent by one application instance (the initiator) to another application instance (the responder).

IPS data is represented in XML format as an XML document. The system stores user-configurable parameters in several XML files.

IPS Events

IPS applications generate IPS events to report the occurrence of some stimulus. The events are the data, such as the alerts generated by SensorApp or errors generated by any application. Events are stored in a local database known as the Event Store.

There are five types of events:

•evAlert—Alert event messages that report when a signature is triggered by network activity.

•evStatus—Status event messages that report the status and actions of the IPS applications.

•evError— Error event messages that report errors that occurred while attempting response actions.

•evLogTransaction—Log transaction messages that report the control transactions processed by each sensor application.

•evShunRqst—Block request messages that report when ARC issues a block request.

You can view the status and error messages using the CLI, IME, and ASDM. The SensorApp and ARC log response actions (TCP resets, IP logging start and stop, blocking start and stop, trigger packet) as status messages.

NotificationApp

The NotificationApp allows the sensor to send alerts and system error messages as SNMP traps. It subscribes to events in the Event Store and translates them into SNMP MIBs and sends them to destinations through a public-domain SNMP agent. The NotificationApp supports sending sets and gets. The SNMP GETs provide information about basic sensor health.

The NotificationApp sends the following information from the evAlert event in sparse mode:

•Originator information

•Event ID

•Event severity

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IPS4510K9 specifications

Cisco Systems has long been a leading player in network security, and its IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) series is a testament to its commitment to safeguarding digital environments. Among its notable offerings are the IPS4510K9 and IPS4520K9 models, both designed to provide advanced threat protection for mid-sized to large enterprise networks.

The Cisco IPS4510K9 and IPS4520K9 are distinguished by their cutting-edge features that help organizations defend against a myriad of cyber threats. These systems utilize a multi-layered approach to security, integrating intrusion prevention, advanced malware protection, and comprehensive visibility across the network.

One of the primary characteristics of the IPS4510K9 is its high performance. It boasts a throughput of up to 1 Gbps, making it suitable for environments that demand rapid data processing and real-time responses to threats. The IPS4520K9, on the other hand, enhances that capability with improved throughput of up to 2 Gbps, accommodating larger enterprises with heavier network traffic. These models are equipped with powerful processors that support complex signature matching and can intelligently distinguish between legitimate traffic and potential threats.

In addition to performance, both models are designed with scalability in mind. They can be easily integrated into existing Cisco infrastructures. This facilitates a seamless enhancement of security without causing significant interruptions to ongoing operations. Moreover, they offer flexible deployment options, allowing organizations to operate them inline or out of band depending on their specific needs.

The Cisco IPS4510K9 and IPS4520K9 leverage advanced detection technologies, utilizing a variety of signature types and heuristic analysis to detect known and unknown threats effectively. They are equipped with real-time alerting and reporting capabilities, giving security teams immediate visibility into potential breaches and enabling them to respond swiftly.

Furthermore, both models support a range of management options through the Cisco Security Manager, allowing for centralized administration, streamlined policy management, and enhanced monitoring capabilities. Automated updates ensure the systems remain current with the latest threat intelligence, vital for staying ahead of evolving cyber threats.

In summary, the Cisco Systems IPS4510K9 and IPS4520K9 represent powerful solutions for organizations seeking robust intrusion prevention capabilities. With their high performance, scalability, and advanced detection technologies, these systems are essential tools in the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity, providing enterprises with the peace of mind needed to operate securely in today's digital world.
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