Nokia’s patented IP clustering technology allows up to four devices to act as a single network entity, sharing one internal IP address and one external IP address. IP packet processing is distributed among all cluster member gateway nodes to achieve equal member processing loads. Up to four gateways can be clustered together to create a distributed and fully redundant security architecture.
Nokia’s IP clustering functionality, specifically tailored for the unique needs of VPN and firewall traffic flow, is distinguished by a novel clustering protocol that minimizes overhead and failover time in the case that a gateway node fails or is intentionally removed from the cluster for maintenance purposes. The result is a robust gateway that scales effectively with additional nodes, and fails over rapidly should a node fail, redistributing workload to remaining active nodes.
“Internet security has become a critical part of enterprise and service provider network infrastructures and, as a result, constant availability is a must. The integration of Nokia’s patented IP Clustering technology into our widely deployed security operating system, IPSO, offers customers truly high value functionality which will improve the overall performance of their network.” said Dan MacDonald, Vice President of Product Management and Marketing, Nokia Internet Communications.
As VPNs become the WAN infrastructure of choice for global enterprises, Nokia’s IP Clustering technology assures availability of VPN services by providing redundancy for active IPSec tunnels. IPSec tunnels do not need to be rebuilt during or after failover ensuring that fixed/mobile users and other gateways do not experience disruption of services or connectivity.
In addition to high-availability, IP Clustering offers enterprises the scalability to increase throughput and tunnel capacity, leveraging prior investments in firewall and VPN devices by adding capacity to the original configuration while an appliance is running. The maintainability features enable the upgrade, reconfiguration, and replacement of devices in a cluster without a moment of application downtime – resulting in zero downtime maintenance.
IP Clustering eliminates the need for expensive third party VPN/Firewall load balancing technology. Nokia’s IP Clustering involves tight integration of the operating system kernel, IP Clustering code and Check Point Software Technologies’ (NASDAQ:CHKP) VPN-1 and FireWall-1 applications. In addition, it is supported by Nokia’s enterprise management console, Nokia Horizon Manager, a secure web based tool.
IP Clustering will be available in IPSO 3.6, Nokia’s latest version of its purpose-built, hardened operating system. IPSO 3.6 will also support disk mirroring, where an additional hard drive within an appliance provides yet another layer of reliability and availability. Both IP clustering and disk mirroring functionality in IPSO 3.6 will be available globally this quarter. In addition, keeping with Nokia's commitment to continuous innovation, customers will be able to enjoy this technology enhancement to Nokia's product line at no incremental charge.
About Nokia Internet Communications
Nokia Internet Communications, headquartered in Mountain View, California, provides world-class Network Security, Virtual Private Network and Internet Traffic and Content Management solutions that ensure the security and reliability of corporate enterprise and managed service provider networks. Nokia is committed to enhancing the end user experience by bringing a new level of security and reliability to the network, enabling an Internet transaction that is personal and trusted-each and every time. For more information, please visit www.nokia.com and click on Secure Network Solutions. Nokia Internet security and virtual private network appliances span the spectrum of price/performance points, and secure the widest range of network environments-from the smallest branch office to the largest Internet data center. The expansive product line, backed by world-class global support and services, provides customers the ability to deploy multiple solutions from a single product to secure all elements of a distributed enterprise.
About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed broadband and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed broadband and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.
For More Information: (Media and Industry Analysts Only Please)
Nokia Internet Communications:
Japan (Tokyo based)
Akiko Kanai
Tel. +81355100764 or akiko.kanai@nokia.com
APAC (Singapore based)
Bonnie Datta
Tel. +6597389473 or bonnie.datta@nokia.com
EMEA (UK based)
Claire Backhurst
Tel. +44 7788 145460 or claire.backhurst@nokia.com
Claire Backhurst
Tel. +44 7788 145460 or claire.backhurst@nokia.com
Americas (California based)
Amy Grenier, Interactive Public Relations for Nokia Internet Communications
Tel. + 1 415 975 3354 or amy@ipri.com
Amy Grenier, Interactive Public Relations for Nokia Internet Communications
Tel. + 1 415 975 3354 or amy@ipri.com