Chapter 5 Installing the IPS 4270-20

Hardware Bypass

The following configuration restrictions apply to hardware bypass:

•The 4-port bypass card is only supported on the IPS 4270-20.

•Fail-open hardware bypass only works on inline interfaces (interface pairs), not on inline VLAN pairs.

•Fail-open hardware bypass is available on an inline interface if all of the following conditions are met:

–Both of the physical interfaces support hardware bypass.

–Both of the physical interfaces are on the same interface card.

–The two physical interfaces are associated in hardware as a bypass pair.

–The speed and duplex settings are identical on the physical interfaces.

–Both of the interfaces are administratively enabled.

•Autonegotiation must be set on MDI/X switch ports connected to the IPS 4270-20.

You must configure both the sensor ports and the switch ports for autonegotiation for hardware bypass to work. The switch ports must support MDI/X, which automatically reverses the transmit and receive lines if necessary to correct any cabling problems. The sensor is only guaranteed to operate correctly with the switch if both of them are configured for identical speed and duplex, which means that the sensor must be set for autonegotiation too.

Hardware Bypass and Link Changes and Drops

Properly configuring and deploying hardware bypass protects against complete link failure if the IPS appliance experiences a power loss, critical hardware failure, or is rebooted; however, a link status change still occurs when hardware bypass engages (and again when it disengages).

During engagement, the interface card disconnects both physical connections from itself and bridges them together. The interfaces of the connected devices can then negotiate the link and traffic forwarding can resume. Once the appliance is back online, hardware bypass disengages and the interface card interrupts the bypass and reconnects the links back to itself. The interface card then negotiates both links and traffic resumes.

There is no built-in way to completely avoid link status changes and drops. However, you can greatly reduce the interruption time (in some cases to sub-second times) by doing the following:

•Make sure you use CAT 5e/6-certified cabling for all connections.

•Make sure the interfaces of the connected devices are configured to match the interfaces of the appliance for speed/duplex negotiation (auto/auto).

•Enable portfast on connected switchports to reduce spanning-tree forwarding delays.

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

 

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Cisco Systems IPS4520K9 manual Hardware Bypass and Link Changes and Drops
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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.
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