That not only implements a next-generation flow offload engine for both lightning-fast single-flow throughput and high-performance-computing grade latency, but it also provides in-path cryptographic acceleration capability. This intermediate component can decrypt and encrypt such flows in hardware without relying on the main system bus or consuming precious x86 CPU cycles, providing much greater speed. Instead, Secure Firewall 3100 Series appliances offer a brand-new custom-built field programmable gate array component between the internal switch fabric and the x86 processor complex. This approach is said to result in tremendous performance degradation because the look-aside nature requires multiple traversals of the shared system bus for each encrypted or decrypted packet. Cisco is pitching the new product as offering efficiency and simplicity through advanced automation and integrations that drive cost savings for modern environments.Įncryption is at the heart of the new Secure Firewall 3100 Series architecture with an emphasis on processing encrypted traffic.Ĭisco argues that the traditional industry approach has been to deploy a look-aside cryptographic accelerator that works in tandem with the x86 CPU to process IPsec and Transport Layer Security traffic for virtual private network and transit inspection purposes. The 3100 Series offers visibility and enforcement designed to keep the network from going dark and strengthen a zero-trust security posture. Secure Firewall 3100 Series offers high performance and flexibility to empower hybrid workers and also firewall administrators, who can now manage their cloud and hybrid firewalls from anywhere in the world.

Cisco Systems Inc. today announced Secure Firewall 3100 Series, a midrange multipurpose firewall appliance with a new architecture designed expressly with hybrid work in mind.

Cisco secure firewall