4GE Bypass Interface Card

Chapter 5 Installing the IPS 4270-20

Hardware Bypass

The IPS 4270-20 supports the 4-port GigabitEthernet card (part number IPS-4GE-BP-INT=) with hardware bypass. This 4GE bypass interface card supports hardware bypass only between ports 0 and 1 and between ports 2 and 3.

Note To disable hardware bypass, pair the interfaces in any other combination, for example 2/0<->2/2 and 2/1<->2/3.

Hardware bypass complements the existing software bypass feature in Cisco IPS. The following conditions apply to hardware bypass and software bypass:

•When bypass is set to OFF, software bypass is not active.

For each inline interface for which hardware bypass is available, the component interfaces are set to disable the fail-open capability. If SensorApp fails, the sensor is powered off, reset, or if the NIC interface drivers fail or are unloaded, the paired interfaces enter the fail-closed state (no traffic flows through inline interface or inline VLAN subinterfaces).

•When bypass is set to ON, software bypass is active.

Software bypass forwards packets between the paired physical interfaces in each inline interface and between the paired VLANs in each inline VLAN subinterface. For each inline interface on which hardware bypass is available, the component interfaces are set to standby mode. If the sensor is powered off, reset, or if the NIC interfaces fail or are unloaded, those paired interfaces enter fail-open state in hardware (traffic flows unimpeded through inline interface). Any other inline interfaces enter fail-closed state.

•When bypass is set to AUTO (traffic flows without inspection), software bypass is activated if SensorApp fails.

For each inline interface on which hardware bypass is available, the component interfaces are set to standby mode. If the sensor is powered off, reset, or if the NIC interfaces fail or are unloaded, those paired interfaces enter fail-open state in hardware. Any other inline interfaces enter the fail-closed state.

Note To test fail-over, set the bypass mode to ON or AUTO, create one or more inline interfaces and power down the sensor and verify that traffic still flows through the inline path.

Hardware Bypass Configuration Restrictions

To use the hardware bypass feature on the 4GE bypass interface card, you must pair interfaces to support the hardware design of the card. If you create an inline interface that pairs a hardware-bypass-capable interface with an interface that violates one or more of the hardware-bypass configuration restrictions, hardware bypass is deactivated on the inline interface and you receive a warning message similar to the following:

Hardware bypass functionality is not available on Inline-interface pair0. Physical-interface GigabitEthernet2/0 is capable of performing hardware bypass only when paired with GigabitEthernet2/1, and both interfaces are enabled and configured with the same speed and duplex settings.

Cisco Intrusion Prevention System Appliance and Module Installation Guide for IPS 7.1

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IPS4520K9 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.

Cisco Systems IPS4520K9 manual 4GE Bypass Interface Card

Models: IPS4520K9