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Securing network availability

  • Published:
BT Technology Journal

Abstract

We live in a world that relies increasingly on its communications infrastructure. Network availability problems affect customers and their businesses, and can damage trust in the resilience of the network. As such, ensuring that networks are robust, reliable and resistant to external attack is a key part of network design.

In this paper we examine some of the vulnerabilities and issues posed by connectionless packet networks and outline potential solutions to these problems. A key theme throughout this discussion is the separation of the data and control planes. Within the PSTN, the control network is physically separate from the data circuits. This, along with tightly controlled and limited network interfaces, makes certain types of attack impossible. Unfortunately, with a connectionless packet network, this type of separation will never be completely possible. Further, the nature of network interworking is changing as we move towards a world of increasing service diversity and dynamic, ad hoc networks.

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Authors
  1. B. Harman
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  2. L. Burness
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  3. G. Corliano
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  4. A. Murgu
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  5. F. El-moussa
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  6. L. He
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Cite this article

Harman, B., Burness, L., Corliano, G. et al. Securing network availability. BT Technol J 24, 65–71 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10550-006-0040-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10550-006-0040-y

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