Fort Fox Data Diode

The Fort Fox Data Diode is an elegant solution for the highsecurity transfer of data between networks. Central to the Fort Fox Data Diode solution is the Fort Fox HardwareData Diode, a unique hardware-based, communication device, which makes use of a gigabit optical data link to transfer data in a single direction (hence the term ‘diode’), between a low-security network and a network with a high-security level. Needless to say, this solution can also be used where both networks have the same level of security.

The Fox Hardware Data Diode can be deployed on its own, or in combination with two optional Intel-based servers, where one is connected to the low-security (black) network, and the other to the high-security (red) network (see Figure 1).

Figure 1: A typical Fort Fox Data Diode configuration

The Fort Fox Data Diode also can also provide added protection through encryption (optional), as well as data integrity by means of error detection and correction. Each server comes with an easy-to-use web interface, which allows authorized users to specify and initiate a data transfer.

A Fort Fox Data Diode transfer is not limited to data files. It can also contain a backup mirror image of frequently used websites and servers, a print job or even incoming email. This provides red networkusers with added functionality and flexibility. For example, they can receive (although not send) e-mail from outside their network1. Frequently used websites and FTP servers can also be mirrored and accessed locally. Furthermore, print jobs from the black network can be received on the red network and printed locally.

Most of all, network administrators are saved the effort, time and cost of transferring data manually on data-storage media.