Setting up the Cisco Firepower firewall in the CISCO ASA FIREPOWER data center
Data centers exist in a complex world and not only offer a rich set of architectures but are also the most critical assets of a company. As a result, the center’s ongoing events are of considerable interest. Terms such as “North-to-North” and “East-to-West” are commonly used to describe various types of communication outside and within centers:
North-to-North: describes communication between end-users and external entities. East to West Centers
: Describes the connections between the centers.
They center on requirements including high performance, low bit rate, and high availability. In addition, automated compliance, coordinated control, control, and management tools are critical.
Data Centers Foundation:
This fundamental component is the cornerstone of any data center that supports all services. From the mere size of the data center, the basis of acceptance, acceptance, and adoption must be ensured to secure and efficient protection of the services of the center. The data center foundation provides the computing power necessary to support processing software and seamless communication between servers, storage, and information software users.
Getting to know the services of the given center:
These services include infrastructure elements to increase software security and access to critical information. They also include virtual switching services for seamless expansion from the network base to the hypervisor system, with the aim of controlling and reducing operating costs.
User services:
User services cover common features such as email, processing, file transfer, and any other software in the data center. These services are central to operations and data center services rely on them. Examples include database software, simulation tools, and transaction processing applications.
Cisco FirePOWER firewall modules in the given centers:
Firewalls, which are described with the Cisco ASA FirePOWER module in the scenario (as shown in the figure), exemplify the functions in the provider centers:
IPS (Intrusion Prevention System):
Monitors network traffic for hijacking activities or security threats and takes action to block or prevent those activities.
Delivery schedule:
It optimizes application delivery and ensures efficient and secure distribution across the network.
Server load interface:
It spans the network between servers to ensure that no server is overwhelmed, improving performance and redundancy.
Network analysis and analysis tools (eg, NetFlow):
It provides insights into network traffic patterns and helps analyze and monitor network behavior.
Deployment and provision of virtualization services:
Virtualize the deployment and provision of services with virtual machines.
Routing network traffic through vPath and Nexus1000v:
It directs network traffic using technologies such as vPath and Nexus1000v, optimizing traffic flow and ensuring resource utilization.
Social Applications Infrastructure (ACI):
It provides a system for connecting services to applications, improving automation, and simplifying network management.
In a virtual environment, Cisco ASAV (Adaptive Security Virtual Appliance) can be used to maintain communication between virtual machines. The Cisco ASA FirePOWER module may not be suitable in such scenarios. Hence, virtual Cisco FirePOWER modules are used alongside AMP (Advanced Malware Protection).
Note:
Cisco ASAv is suitable for both traditional data centers and Cisco ACI environments. In addition, it can be deployed in cloud environments such as Amazon Web Services (AWS). The Cisco ASA FirePOWER module can also be deployed in geographically dispersed parts of the network.
cisco FirePOWER firewall modules in the given centers:
Shown above is a cluster of four Cisco ASA modules between two data centers. The cluster uses Cluster Control Links (CCL) which operate at layer 2 in less than 10ms. A covered EtherChannel is configured on the cluster side for data transfer along with a local data link and EtherChannel on the switches on each side.
Note:
Data VLAN does not extend between switches to avoid network loops.
Cisco FTD software for integrated firewall:
Cisco FTD (Firepower Threat Defense) software provides an integrated solution for next-generation firewall services that provides the following functions:
Stateful firewall capabilities
Static and dynamic routing
NGIPS (Next Generation System of Intrusion)
AVC (Application Visibility and Control)
URL filtering
AMP (Advanced Malware Protection)
In Cisco ASA, FTD can be used in Single context, Routed, or Transparent modes. In addition, the Cisco ASA models below support FTD software and reloading.
To load different models of Cisco ASA with FTD software, you must provide the following prerequisites:
A Cisco account was created in Cisco Software Central.
Periodically review new FTD software versions for added features.
Add a basic license to your account.
Access to FMC (Firepower Management Center) physically or virtually.
Direct access or terminal server access to the console port of Cisco 5500-X devices where FTD is installed.
Back up the status quo
Note that installing a new FTD will remove all versions and old ones.
Sufficient space (at least 3 virtual spaces and space required by BOOT software in Flash (disk0)).
An SSD must exist on the Cisco ASA.
TFTP access is required to maintain the FTD image.
Summary:
The Cisco ASA FirePOWER module enables networking, policy enforcement, and advanced computer security protection. This chapter introduced the Cisco ASA FirePOWER module and discussed its different modes of operation: Inline and Promiscuous. Various management solutions were explored with respect to network size, requirements, compatibility and compatibility issues, and specific permissions.
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