OVERVIEW
What is Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)?
Data sent over computer networks, such as the Internet, is divided into packets. The computer or other device that receives these packets then reassembles them. So a packet is a small segment of a larger message.
Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), is a type of network packet filtering. In other words, deep packet inspection can find, detect, classify, block, or reroute packets with specific code or data payloads that are not found, found, classified, blocked, or redirected by traditional packet filtering. Deep packet inspection, contrary to plain packet filtering, examines more than just packet headers.
EXPLANATION
How does DPI work?
As packets go across network boundaries, the data content is examined by the DPI. When it finds any content or code that is forbidden, it denies access. All this is happens on virtual gateways, like VPNs.
Network teams can select the permitted protocols using DPI consoles. Popular streaming services, gaming websites, messaging applications, and social networking platforms may have their data excluded for safety and productivity reasons. With a few clicks, managers may modify these exclusions and define user-specific rights. DPI may be included into network security software and is a versatile solution.
benefits
Benefits of NordLayer's DPI Lite
Enforcement of content policies
DPI Lite gives organization owners the option of deciding which applications/sites members can interact with while connected to their virtual private gateway. Owners may use DPI to block malicious sites, others may block file sharing sites, streaming, gambling or productivity-lowering apps and games. The use case for this feature is defined by the type of problem organization owners want to solve.
Block malicious content
When paired with threat detection algorithms, deep packet inspection can be used to block malware before it compromises endpoints and other network assets. This means it can help filter out activity from ransomware, viruses, spyware, and worms. Even further, DPI Lite provides visibility across the network that can be analyzed to identify abnormal traffic patterns, alerting security teams to malicious behavior.
USE CASES
Deep Packet Inspection Use Cases in the industry
Secure BYOD from threats
Deep packet inspection is vital if a business uses Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) computers for work. This prevents worms, spyware, and viruses from getting into the corporate network. Furthermore, the rules and policies defined by system admins, allows them to restrict certain protocols and pages to be opened within their network. DPI detects prohibited uses within approved applications and stops them.
Ease the flow of network traffic
Network admins also employ deep packet inspection to facilitate the movement of network traffic. For instance, you can employ deep packet inspection to allow high-priority information to go ahead of other lower priority messages. Additionally, you can give mission-critical packets priority over regular browsing packets. Deep packet inspection can be used to throttle or reduce the data transmission rate if peer-to-peer downloads are giving you trouble.
Tailor-fit offerings for your customers
Deep packet inspection is another tool used by mobile service operators and other similar service providers to customize their services to specific customers. For example, record labels and other copyright holders can ask ISPs to use deep packet inspection to stop their content from being downloaded illegally.
Prevent information leaking
Deep packet inspection can assist enterprises in stopping information leaks, such as when emailing a private file. A user will not be able to submit a file successfully; rather, they will obtain guidance on how to gain the required authorization and clearance.
Eavesdropping and censorship
Deep packet inspection, like other technologies, may be employed for less than honorable objectives like eavesdropping and censorship. Deep packet inspection has been used by governments to monitor network activity within their nations and block websites and information that is detrimental to those governments' interests. This is how certain governments have been able to prohibit access to websites like Wikipedia, Google, and Facebook as well as pornographic, religious, and political dissenting content.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) only evaluates packet header information, such as source IP address, destination IP address, and port number.
DPI goes a bit deeper and looks at a more comprehensive range of data and metadata associated with individual packets.
Unlike conventional packet filtering, DPI finds, recognizes, categorizes, and reroutes or stops packets carrying certain data or code payloads. By looking at a message's content, DPI can pinpoint the precise program or service that delivered it. Additionally, filters may be set up to search for and redirect network traffic coming from a particular IP address range or an online service, like Facebook or Twitter.