Your work as a network solutions provider is to become a network engineer and design enterprise networks. You began with the company as a technical support analyst who helped clients troubleshoot hardware and software. Because of your strong communication skills, your manager has been sending you on sales calls, but you feel that this task is moving you away from your goal of network engineering. As a compromise, you and your manager have agreed on a plan in which you will make a series of video training programs to explain complicated networking topics to clients.
Your first video will explain the difference between inline and passive IDPS devices. In preparation for video production, you must submit an outline of your presentation with explanatory diagrams.
Prepare a two-page outline that defines inline and passive IDPSs, the hardware required, advantages and disadvantages of each, and situations in which one type is preferred over the other. Create and include at least two technical diagrams in PowerPoint, Excel, or Word (including PDF).
Use the Internet search engines and sectools.org to explore IDS systems and related applications.
Full Answer Section
Explanatory Diagrams
Diagram 1: Inline IDPS Device Architecture
The following diagram shows a typical inline IDPS device architecture:
[Diagram of inline IDPS device architecture]
In this architecture, all network traffic flows through the IDPS device. The IDPS device analyzes the traffic for known threats and attacks. If it detects a threat or attack, the IDPS device can block the traffic or take other corrective actions.
Diagram 2: Passive IDPS Device Architecture
The following diagram shows a typical passive IDPS device architecture:
[Diagram of passive IDPS device architecture]
In this architecture, the IDPS device is connected to a SPAN port or other network monitoring device. This allows the IDPS device to monitor network traffic without disrupting it. The IDPS device analyzes the traffic for known threats and attacks, but it cannot block the traffic or take other corrective actions.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Inline and Passive IDPS Devices
The following table compares the advantages and disadvantages of inline and passive IDPS devices:
Feature Inline IDPS Device Passive IDPS Device
Performance Can impact network performance Does not impact network performance
Security Can block threats and attacks Cannot block threats and attacks
Cost More expensive Less expensive
Complexity More complex to configure and manage Less complex to configure and manage
When to Use an Inline or Passive IDPS Device
Inline IDPS devices are typically used in high-security environments where it is important to be able to block threats and attacks. Passive IDPS devices are typically used in environments where it is important to monitor network traffic without impacting performance.
Here are some specific situations in which one type of IDPS device is preferred over the other:
Inline IDPS devices are preferred:
In high-security environments where it is important to be able to block threats and attacks.
In environments where it is important to have a single device that can monitor and block threats and attacks.
Passive IDPS devices are preferred:
In environments where it is important to monitor network traffic without impacting performance.
In environments where it is important to have a redundant IDPS solution.
In environments where it is necessary to monitor network traffic from multiple sources.
Conclusion
The best type of IDPS device for your needs will depend on your specific requirements. If you are unsure which type of IDPS device is right for you, you should consult with a network security expert.
Sample Answer
Outline
Video 1: Inline vs. Passive IDPS Devices
Introduction
- What is an IDPS?
- What is the difference between inline and passive IDPS devices?
- Why is it important to choose the right type of IDPS for your needs?
Inline IDPS Devices
- Definition
- Hardware required
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
- When to use an inline IDPS
Passive IDPS Devices
- Definition
- Hardware required
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
- When to use a passive IDPS
Comparison of Inline and Passive IDPS Devices
- Table comparing the two types of IDPS devices
Conclusion
- Summary of key points
- Recommendations for choosing the right type of IDPS device
Technical Diagrams
Diagram 1: Inline IDPS Device Architecture
[Insert diagram of inline IDPS device architecture]
Diagram 2: Passive IDPS Device Architecture
[Insert diagram of passive IDPS device architecture]