Cisco Firepower can be deployed in various modes depending on the network environment and security requirements. Here’s an overview of the primary deployment modes:
1. Routed Mode (Layer 3 Mode)
- Description: Firepower acts as a Layer 3 device (like a traditional router) in this mode. It routes traffic between network segments and enforces security policies based on IP addresses, ports, and protocols.
- Use Case: Ideal for scenarios where Firepower must control traffic between subnets or VLANs. It provides full routing capabilities along with security features.
2. Transparent Mode (Layer 2 Mode)
- Description: Firepower operates as a Layer 2 device (like a bridge or switch) in this mode. It does not change the IP address of packets as they pass through, and it is invisible to the network (transparent). Traffic is filtered based on MAC addresses.
- Use Case: Best for integrating Firepower into an existing network without altering the current IP addressing scheme. Useful when minimal network changes are required.
3. Inline Mode
- Description: In inline mode, Firepower is placed directly in the path of network traffic. It can inspect, block, or allow traffic based on configured security policies.
- Sub-Modes:
- Inline Tap Mode: Allows the device to inspect traffic without blocking it, useful for monitoring and analysis without impacting network traffic.
- Inline Pair Mode: Acts as a bump-in-the-wire, where all traffic must pass through Firepower, allowing it to actively enforce security policies.
- Use Case: Commonly used for scenarios requiring active traffic inspection and enforcement, such as blocking threats in real-time.
4. Passive Mode (Monitor-Only Mode)
- Description: Firepower monitors traffic without actively interfering with it. It operates by analyzing copies of traffic, which is mirrored to the device using SPAN or TAP.
- Use Case: Ideal for environments where you want to detect and analyze threats without affecting the flow of traffic. It’s useful for intrusion detection systems (IDS) or for compliance monitoring.
5. Inline with Fail-Open/Fail-Close
- Description:
- Fail-Open: If Firepower fails (e.g., due to a hardware or software issue), traffic continues to flow without interruption, bypassing the Firepower device.
- Fail-Close: If Firepower fails, traffic is blocked to ensure that uninspected traffic does not pass through.
- Use Case: Depends on the criticality of network availability versus security enforcement. Fail-Open is chosen when availability is more critical, and Fail-Close is selected when security is prioritized.
6. Clustered Mode
- Description: Firepower devices can be deployed in a clustered configuration, allowing multiple devices to work together as a single logical unit for increased throughput, redundancy, and high availability.
- Use Case: Suitable for large-scale deployments where high availability, load balancing, and performance are critical.
7. Virtual Deployments
- Description: Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) is available as a virtual appliance, which can be deployed in virtualized environments such as VMware, Hyper-V, KVM, or public cloud platforms like AWS and Azure.
- Use Case: Appropriate for cloud-based deployments or environments with virtualized infrastructure where physical appliances are not feasible.
Each of these deployment modes can be tailored to meet specific organizational needs, providing a balance between security, performance, and network architecture flexibility.