In 2020, the global landscape of connected devices was expected to be staggering. According to IDC, there were projected to be 1.9 billion PCs, 2.6 billion smartphones, and over 2 billion consumer electronics in use. However, the number of embedded devices and intelligent systems was estimated to reach as high as 25 billion—far surpassing all other categories. This massive growth highlights the immense potential of the Internet of Things (IoT), which is rapidly transforming how we interact with technology.
As more objects become connected, ensuring secure communication between them has become a critical challenge. The concept of “connected objects†brings both opportunities and risks. A single vulnerability in an IoT device could lead to widespread consequences, making cybersecurity an essential concern across all sectors.
One notable example occurred in 2012 when a nuclear power plant in southern Iran was attacked by malicious software. Although the damage was contained, the incident served as a wake-up call for governments and organizations worldwide. Cyber threats are no longer limited to enterprise data centers; they can infiltrate telecom equipment rooms, industrial control systems, and even home networks. For instance, if a floodgate system were hacked, it could result in catastrophic damage to people and infrastructure.
To address these growing threats, the next generation of network security platforms must evolve beyond traditional models. They need to support the "Internet everywhere" trend, expanding into telecom environments and covering a wide range of communication protocols. This includes not only Ethernet but also ZigBee, Wi-Fi, and EtherCAT, which are crucial for machine-to-machine (M2M) and industrial applications.
Liu Hongyi, Director of Product Planning at NEXCOM’s Network Communication Division, emphasized that with the explosion of network traffic and the expansion of application scenarios, the hardware architecture of security systems must be rethought. Traditional setups may struggle to handle the increasing volume and speed of data packets. Therefore, the foundation of the system—its hardware platform—needs to be upgraded to meet these demands.
Moreover, modern security platforms must integrate advanced technologies like switches and network processors (NPUs) to optimize packet processing. These components should not just act as add-ons but be deeply embedded in the system's architecture. By leveraging NPUs, the central processor can focus on higher-level tasks, while the NPU handles rule-based filtering and packet inspection. This reduces redundancy and improves efficiency, allowing for faster and more reliable traffic handling.
The hardware must also have high throughput capabilities. With multimedia content becoming increasingly common, many packets contain large files that require efficient processing. If a packet is already verified as safe, there’s no need for repeated inspections, which helps prevent network congestion. Additionally, the rise of M2M communication generates vast amounts of data, further emphasizing the need for scalable and adaptable solutions.
Specialization is another key aspect of modern network security. As platforms enter diverse environments with varying traffic loads, they must be tailored to specific use cases. This means not only physical customization but also deep integration with security software and compliance with industry-specific standards. Certifications such as NEBS Level 3 and EN50155 ensure that these systems can operate reliably in harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures, vibrations, and moisture.
For example, NEXCOM launched specialized network security appliances in 2013, designed for different sectors such as telecommunications, industrial control, and high-throughput applications. In telecom, ATCA blade servers and rack servers were certified to meet NEBS Level 3 requirements. For industrial settings, EN50155-certified in-vehicle systems and DIN-rail platforms were developed to suit factory environments. High-throughput solutions were also customized, using different CPUs, NPUs, and switching chips to meet specific customer needs.
Looking ahead, the demand for dedicated, intelligent, and highly integrated network security platforms will continue to grow. These systems must be flexible, robust, and capable of adapting to evolving threats and application scenarios. As the digital world becomes more interconnected, the role of network security will only become more vital.
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