Dell leverages Array Networks ‘open sandwich’ layer-3 architecture

BANGALORE: Array Networks, an application delivery networking company, has partnered with IT firm Dell for the industry's first 'open sandwich' layer-3 architecture for scaling next-generation firewalls (NGFWs).

Leveraging the open firewall sandwich design, Dell SonicWALL SuperMassive NGFWs can be horizontally scaled using Array Networks' APV Series application delivery controllers (ADCs) to overcome the challenges posed by the increase in secure web-based content and applications.

The open-sandwich design scales above 100 Gbps of deep packet inspection (DPI) performance and has N+1 resiliency.

Array ADCs are platforms that distribute traffic across multiple Dell SonicWALL NGFW nodes, interfacing to them through a Dell Networking S-Series switch and providing layer-3 load balancing to ensure the Dell SonicWALL SuperMassive firewalls perform at the highest possible level. The solution ensures persistent throughput for outbound traffic, as well as inbound traffic such as SIP calls that originate from the WAN.

The open sandwich concept is designed to support Dell SonicWALL NGFWs in conjunction with almost any third-party switch or load balancer. Dell Networking S-Series switches and Array APV Series ADCs are the first commercial-grade solutions to be tested and deployed in this configuration.

"This combined Array/Dell solution offers unique synergies for education institutions, service providers and other businesses with high-volumes of secure web traffic," said Paul Andersen, senior director, Marketing, Array Networks. "Both Array and Dell are industry leaders in price-performance and innovation in their respective markets. In addition, the joint solution is both tested and proven to give users the assurance of a deployment-ready solution," Andersen added.

"Dell is committed to offering compelling solutions that provide both exceptional levels of security and that are highly scalable to support the massive data, capacity and connectivity demands of our large enterprise customers," said John Gordineer, Senior Director, Product Marketing, Dell Security.

"The open firewall sandwich architecture and our collaboration with Array Networks is yet another example of this commitment to making security a business enabler."