Cisco Systems Inc has added Cut-Through Proxy to its Cisco PIX Firewall, an addition that, according to the company, will boost the standalone hardware devices performance with Internet and intranet access. Cut-Through Proxy technology, increases the speed of security verification in a network by reducing the network overhead associated with Unix-based proxy server firewalls, says the Santa Clara, California-based company. Cisco’s Cut-Through Proxy authenticates users at the application layer like a proxy server, but once the user is authenticated, the Cisco PIX Firewall shifts the session flow, establishing a direct link between the source and destination while maintaining session state information. This capability provides faster network performance with continued security, along with faster network throughput and minimizes network bottlenecks while protecting networks from outside intrusion. Additionally, Cut- Through Proxy offers enhanced user authentication capabilities through streamlined verification of authorized network users. Software upgrades are available at no additional charge for all customers of Cisco’s SmartNet program, Cisco’s technical support service.
