Operation Modes - IBM 10G Network Active Bypass User Manual

Operation modes

The 10G Network Active Bypass unit operates in four different modes that it uses to pass traffic through
itself and through a connected Network IPS appliance.
Normal Active Bypass
The 10G Network Active Bypass unit remains inline if it receives heartbeat packets within a set time
period. However, if the 10G Network Active Bypass unit does not receive heartbeat packets within the set
time period, it remains in bypass mode. By default (without any heartbeat), the 10G Network Active
Bypass unit remains in bypass mode.
Network traffic flows between the network ports and the appliance ports. If heartbeat packets are not
received within a set time, network traffic is routed between the network ports on the 10G Network
Active Bypass unit, but the traffic bypasses the appliance ports. The 10G Network Active Bypass unit
continues to inject heartbeats from the Network IPS appliance into the stream out of the Network IPS
appliance through port (A2), which allows the 10G Network Active Bypass unit to automatically route
traffic back through the Network IPS appliance after (the bypass) is back in service.
Normal Active Inline
The 10G Network Active Bypass unit remains in bypass mode if it receives heartbeat packets within a set
time period. However, if the 10G Network Active Bypass unit does not receive heartbeat packets within
the set time period, it remains inline. By default (without any heartbeat), the 10G Network Active Bypass
unit remains inline.
Network traffic flows between the network ports on the 10G Network Active Bypass unit, while heartbeat
packets are sent between the Network IPS appliance ports.
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Chapter 1. About the 10G Network Active Bypass unit