A Network Packet Broker (NPB) is an important device in supporting data traffic that must be managed from computer networks, businesses, public services, and our daily activities.
The denser the data traffic that must be managed, the more network packet brokers are needed to help keep networks secure and running smoothly.
Are you familiar with this device? This article will discuss network packet brokers in detail, from their definition, how they work, their functions, benefits, reasons why it is important to use, and their regulations in Indonesia.
What is a Network Packet Broker?
A Network Packet Broker (NPB) is an electronic device that acts as a network traffic manager to optimize the performance of monitoring and security tools. It works by collecting, filtering, and distributing data packets from the network to various monitoring and security tools.
The NPB functions as a “traffic controller” that ensures relevant data is forwarded to the right device, while unnecessary data can be discarded or stored as needed.
This device acts like a police officer, regulating vehicle traffic to keep it running smoothly, thereby preventing congestion on monitoring and security tools.
How Does Network Packet Broker Work?
A Network Packet Broker (NPB) works by being placed between monitoring and security tools, such as:
Network switches (or TAP/SPAN)
Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
Firewall
Network Performance Monitoring (NPM)
Here is how it works in detail:
- Collecting data: NPB takes data packets from TAP (Test Access Point) or SPAN (Switch Port Analyzer).
- Filtering packets: Data is filtered based on predefined criteria.
- Distributing data: Filtered packets are then directed to the appropriate monitoring or security devices.
This way, monitoring devices are not burdened by irrelevant data.
The Functions Network Packet Broker
The main function of a Network Packet Broker (NPB) includes data aggregation, data filtering and manipulation, traffic distribution, load balancing, and deduplication. The following are its details:
- Data aggregation: Collecting traffic from multiple sources and combining it for analysis.
- Data filtering and manipulation: Filtering out unimportant packets so that monitoring tools only receive relevant data.
- Traffic distribution: Directing filtered data packets to various connected security and network monitoring tools.
- Load balancing: Distributing traffic evenly across multiple tools, preventing overload on any one tool.
- Deduplication: Removing duplicate data packets that may be sent by multiple TAPs, thereby reducing the load on analysis and security tools.
The Benefits of Network Packet Broker
The Network Packet Broker (NPB) provides many benefits, especially in network traffic optimization, support for modern architectures, flexibility, and scalability. Here are the benefits in detail:
1. Network traffic optimization
One of the benefits of NPB is network traffic optimization. The device can filter traffic to eliminate unnecessary data, duplicate relevant data, and route only the necessary packets to the right tools.
2. Improved tool efficiency
Improved device efficiency is another benefit of this device. By filtering data, the device is able to reduce the load on security and performance devices. This ensures that they receive the data they need without being overloaded, and improves bandwidth usage efficiency.
3. Support for modern architectures
NPB supports high speeds and can handle ever-increasing traffic in cloud, virtual, and physical environments. This will certainly help support increasingly complex networks.
4. Accelerate problem resolution
Accelerating problem resolution is another benefit of this device. By providing the right data to applications and tools, this device will facilitate the diagnosis and resolution of network performance and security issues, as well as improve incident response.
5. Flexibility and scalability
Another benefit of NPB is its flexibility and scalability. This device enables many-to-many port mapping, providing flexibility to direct traffic to various monitoring tools. This device is also designed for scalability as the network grows.
Why is Network Packet Broker Required?
- Increased network complexity: The increased complexity of networks, speed, and data volume requires efficient tools to manage traffic effectively.
- Tool optimization: NPB will ensure that security and monitoring tools only receive relevant data.
- Reduced operational costs: Helps reduce operational costs and investment in hardware by optimizing bandwidth and tool resource usage.
- Improved visibility: Provides a deeper insight into network traffic, ensuring better network security.
NPB Regulation in Indonesia
The Network Packet Broker (NPB) uses technologies that operate within a specific frequency spectrum. In Indonesia, any Bluetooth-based wireless device is required to have a DJID (Directorate General of Digital Infrastructure) under the Ministry of Communication and Digital (KOMDIGI).
Network Packet Broker regulation is based on KEPMEN No. 60 Tahun 2022, which requires all radio frequency-based devices to meet specific technical standards before being sold in the country.
The DJID certification ensures that the product meets government safety and quality regulations and does not interfere with other communication devices. The certification process involves technical testing, such as frequency adjustments, safety checks, and compatibility with the surrounding environment.
Once the tests are completed, products that pass are listed in a Test Result Report, which confirms that the product is safe and ready for sale in Indonesia. This report reassures customers that the product meets technical standards and is secure.
For companies wanting to sell NPB detection in Indonesia, Type Approval Certification Services for ICT Products are available to assist with this process. This service includes preparing technical and legal documents, conducting required testing, ensuring compliance with regulations, helping companies streamline the certification process, and giving consumers confidence in certified products.