Heartbeat Settings - IBM 10G Network Active Bypass User Manual

Bypass mode
In bypass mode, network traffic is sent to port N1 (network in) on the 10G Network Active Bypass unit.
The traffic is routed through a closed loop from port N1 (network in) to port N2 (network out) and
bypasses the Network IPS appliance. Bypass mode also operates in reverse, routing traffic between
networks.

Heartbeat settings

The 10G Network Active Bypass unit can continually monitor the health and status of the Network IPS
appliances by sending and receiving heartbeat packets. Each heartbeat packet is an Ethernet frame of 128
bytes.
Auto
The 10G Network Active Bypass unit sends a heartbeat packet from port A1 (appliance in) every 100
milliseconds (or 10 heartbeat packets per second). Port A2 (appliance out) must receive the same
heartbeat packet from the Network IPS appliance.
Note: By default, the heartbeat packet is sent every 100 milliseconds (ms) per segment (or 10 heartbeats
per second) and can be increased to 25500 ms.
This mode is designed for Network IPS appliances that act as a bridge. Make sure appliances are
properly configured so that the device does not filter out the heartbeat packet. This mode does not
require a driver for Network IPS appliances.
Link status indicator
The heartbeat packet acts as a link status indicator for 10G Network Active Bypass unit port A1
(appliance in) and port A2 (appliance out). If port A1 or port A2 loses the link, the 10G Network Active
Bypass unit stops the heartbeat transmissions and activates bypass mode.
6
10G Network Active Bypass V3.4: User Guide