An IPS – and many other security solutions – require frequent management and updates. As threats evolve, IPS require signature updates to catch the latest attack campaigns. Individually managing each of an organization’s IPS and all of its other security solutions is complex and unscalable as corporate IT infrastructure grows and expands.

Fig 4[2] - UART serial packet transmission The transmitter initiates the transmission by sending a start bit  which advises the receiver that a packet is about to be sent. After the data frame  has been sent, an optional error check (parity bit) may be sent. The transmitter will then send a stop bit indicating end of transmission. If there is more data to be sent then the process will be repeated. Serial communication: Requires fewer wires Has simpler hardware Lower implementation cost Is the preferred solution for telecommunication networks Serial communication disadvantages include: Can be much slower than parallel transmissions Extra control bits (non-data) need to be transmitted Higher processing overheads Microcontrollers with their limited numbers of external GPIO pins almost exclusively communicate with their peripherals via a serial protocol. In cases where the nature of the external device dictates that parallel communication must be used the peripheral will often have an onboard controller chip that converts parallel data streams to serial streams and vice versa. Good examples are display devices (e.g. 7-segment LED and LCD1602 displays) where the microcontroller is able to write screen data with a serial protocol to screens requiring a parallel data stream via an onboard controller chip on the display. The microbit module provides access to three popular serial hardware/protocol industry standards: UART,  I2C and SPI. The above discussion on serial transmission specifically describes UART in basic terms. Meanwhile I2C and SPI also transmit their data bits in a serial sequence they have different start/stop and timing mechanisms. UART is an asynchronous serial protocol where each connected device must maintain their own clock and transmission can be initiated by either device at anytime. SPI and I2C are synchronous serial protocols where one device provides the clock signals and initiates transmission. [1]https://newhavendisplay.com/blog/serial-vs-parallel-communication/ [2]https://www.circuitbasics.com/basics-uart-communication/

SerialandParallel transmissiondiagram

A bit can only have one of two possible values; 0 or 1. Considering the physical layer, bits can be transmitted as either a HIGH value (e.g. 3.3V) representing a 1 or a LOW value (e.g. 0V) representing a 0. This simple HIGH/LOW voltage method of transmitting bits means that it is easy to see the resultant square wave form on an oscilloscope. Fig 1 - transmission of bits Almost always more than a single bit needs to be transmitted from one device to a receiving device. Multiple bits can be transmitted simultaneously across parallel wires or sequentially on a single wire. What this looks like, with advantages and disadvantages of both approaches, is discussed in the sections following.

An IPS sits in line with traffic flows and inspects all traffic before permitting it to continue on to its destination. An IPS can use signature-based analysis, anomaly detection, and machine learning to identify potential malicious content within a connection.

Serial communication: Requires fewer wires Has simpler hardware Lower implementation cost Is the preferred solution for telecommunication networks Serial communication disadvantages include: Can be much slower than parallel transmissions Extra control bits (non-data) need to be transmitted Higher processing overheads Microcontrollers with their limited numbers of external GPIO pins almost exclusively communicate with their peripherals via a serial protocol. In cases where the nature of the external device dictates that parallel communication must be used the peripheral will often have an onboard controller chip that converts parallel data streams to serial streams and vice versa. Good examples are display devices (e.g. 7-segment LED and LCD1602 displays) where the microcontroller is able to write screen data with a serial protocol to screens requiring a parallel data stream via an onboard controller chip on the display. The microbit module provides access to three popular serial hardware/protocol industry standards: UART,  I2C and SPI. The above discussion on serial transmission specifically describes UART in basic terms. Meanwhile I2C and SPI also transmit their data bits in a serial sequence they have different start/stop and timing mechanisms. UART is an asynchronous serial protocol where each connected device must maintain their own clock and transmission can be initiated by either device at anytime. SPI and I2C are synchronous serial protocols where one device provides the clock signals and initiates transmission. [1]https://newhavendisplay.com/blog/serial-vs-parallel-communication/ [2]https://www.circuitbasics.com/basics-uart-communication/

Serialandparallel transmissiondifference

However parallel technologies are still in use where high data rates are required such as large shop printers and internal computer buses.

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Serial transmissionexample

Serialandparallel transmissionexamples

If an IPS detects a potential attack, it sends an alert to the IT department. However, as the P in its name suggests, an IPS can also prevent attacks. Its position in-line with traffic flows enables it to drop malicious packets, block traffic, and reset connections that it believes pose a threat to the organization.

UART is an asynchronous serial protocol where each connected device must maintain their own clock and transmission can be initiated by either device at anytime.

An IPS is a vital component of an enterprise security strategy. However, choosing the wrong IPS can leave the IT team struggling with a complex, unscalable, and ineffective security architecture. Some key features to look for when seeking an IPS include:

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is the only solution that provides IPS functionality in a way that meets enterprise security needs. Read our blog to learn more about choosing the right IPS solution.

IDS predates IPS, and these solutions were focused on identifying attacks, not preventing them. An IDS has similar network monitoring and threat detection capabilities, but it will only generate an alert if malicious traffic is detected. An IDS only serves as an early warning system for an attack. The IT team must respond to the alert and take action to mitigate or remediate a threat. Since an IPS can block malicious traffic from reaching its destination, it provides superior protection and eliminates the cost and damage caused by a potential threat.

On each clock (CLK) pulse all eight bits are simultaneously sent. The receiver is responsible for assembling the bits into their correct order.

Serial communication involves data transmission of each bit across a single cable or channel. The bits are sent as a serial stream, one after the other.

This simple HIGH/LOW voltage method of transmitting bits means that it is easy to see the resultant square wave form on an oscilloscope.

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IPS and IDS (intrusion detection system) are similar acronyms, and the two tools have similar functionality. However, the capabilities of an IDS are a subset of those of an IPS.

Both the transmitter and receiver must agree on the number of data bits (the data frame) that will be transmitted per packet - 5 to 9 bits but most commonly 8 bits. The data transmission rate (baud rate usually expressed in  bytes/sec,  Kbytes/sec  or  Mbytes/sec) must also be agreed. Fig 4[2] - UART serial packet transmission The transmitter initiates the transmission by sending a start bit  which advises the receiver that a packet is about to be sent. After the data frame  has been sent, an optional error check (parity bit) may be sent. The transmitter will then send a stop bit indicating end of transmission. If there is more data to be sent then the process will be repeated. Serial communication: Requires fewer wires Has simpler hardware Lower implementation cost Is the preferred solution for telecommunication networks Serial communication disadvantages include: Can be much slower than parallel transmissions Extra control bits (non-data) need to be transmitted Higher processing overheads Microcontrollers with their limited numbers of external GPIO pins almost exclusively communicate with their peripherals via a serial protocol. In cases where the nature of the external device dictates that parallel communication must be used the peripheral will often have an onboard controller chip that converts parallel data streams to serial streams and vice versa. Good examples are display devices (e.g. 7-segment LED and LCD1602 displays) where the microcontroller is able to write screen data with a serial protocol to screens requiring a parallel data stream via an onboard controller chip on the display. The microbit module provides access to three popular serial hardware/protocol industry standards: UART,  I2C and SPI. The above discussion on serial transmission specifically describes UART in basic terms. Meanwhile I2C and SPI also transmit their data bits in a serial sequence they have different start/stop and timing mechanisms. UART is an asynchronous serial protocol where each connected device must maintain their own clock and transmission can be initiated by either device at anytime. SPI and I2C are synchronous serial protocols where one device provides the clock signals and initiates transmission. [1]https://newhavendisplay.com/blog/serial-vs-parallel-communication/ [2]https://www.circuitbasics.com/basics-uart-communication/

Serialandparallelcommunication pdf

An IPS is intended to protect a network or system by blocking malicious traffic from entering it. An IPS can operate under a couple of different deployment models, including:

Broadly speaking there are two different approaches to facilitate hardwired communications between two electronic devices: parallel and serial. This posting will not be considering wireless communications.

The above discussion on serial transmission specifically describes UART in basic terms. Meanwhile I2C and SPI also transmit their data bits in a serial sequence they have different start/stop and timing mechanisms.

Types ofserial transmission

Good examples are display devices (e.g. 7-segment LED and LCD1602 displays) where the microcontroller is able to write screen data with a serial protocol to screens requiring a parallel data stream via an onboard controller chip on the display.

Microcontrollers with their limited numbers of external GPIO pins almost exclusively communicate with their peripherals via a serial protocol. In cases where the nature of the external device dictates that parallel communication must be used the peripheral will often have an onboard controller chip that converts parallel data streams to serial streams and vice versa. Good examples are display devices (e.g. 7-segment LED and LCD1602 displays) where the microcontroller is able to write screen data with a serial protocol to screens requiring a parallel data stream via an onboard controller chip on the display. The microbit module provides access to three popular serial hardware/protocol industry standards: UART,  I2C and SPI. The above discussion on serial transmission specifically describes UART in basic terms. Meanwhile I2C and SPI also transmit their data bits in a serial sequence they have different start/stop and timing mechanisms. UART is an asynchronous serial protocol where each connected device must maintain their own clock and transmission can be initiated by either device at anytime. SPI and I2C are synchronous serial protocols where one device provides the clock signals and initiates transmission. [1]https://newhavendisplay.com/blog/serial-vs-parallel-communication/ [2]https://www.circuitbasics.com/basics-uart-communication/

Intrusion prevention systems (IPS) are security solutions designed to monitor network traffic and block malicious connections. They are very similar to an intrusion detection system (IDS), but their ability to block malicious traffic enables them to provide actual protection to the enterprise rather than generating security alerts for IT personnel to investigate and respond to. This dramatically reduces enterprise cybersecurity risk as malicious traffic is blocked before it reaches its destination.

Serial transmissiondiagram

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In parallel communications a series of bits are transmitted simultaneously across parallel cables or channels. Usually 8-bits making a byte are sent as a group. This is best shown with a diagram.

An intrusion prevention system (IPS) is a network security technology that monitors network traffic and blocks malicious content. An IPS provides protection against a wide range of cyber threats such as ransomware, lateral movement, vulnerability exploitation and other attacks. However, an IPS is only one component of an enterprise security architecture, and choosing the right IPS is vital for corporate cybersecurity.

We explain how various detection mechanisms enable IPS to identify a range of threats within network traffic, and explore common methods of IPS deployment.

Transmissionmode

Both forms of communication have a long history. They are concerned with the transmission of the smallest piece of digital information - the bit - across a wire between both devices. A bit can only have one of two possible values; 0 or 1. Considering the physical layer, bits can be transmitted as either a HIGH value (e.g. 3.3V) representing a 1 or a LOW value (e.g. 0V) representing a 0. This simple HIGH/LOW voltage method of transmitting bits means that it is easy to see the resultant square wave form on an oscilloscope. Fig 1 - transmission of bits Almost always more than a single bit needs to be transmitted from one device to a receiving device. Multiple bits can be transmitted simultaneously across parallel wires or sequentially on a single wire. What this looks like, with advantages and disadvantages of both approaches, is discussed in the sections following.

Parallel communication was once widely used in consumer level devices such as printers, scanners and hard drives but has largely been replaced by cheaper serial technology - especially since the popularity of USB (Universal Serial Bus) with its plug'n'play philosophy has developed and grown.

Good examples are display devices (e.g. 7-segment LED and LCD1602 displays) where the microcontroller is able to write screen data with a serial protocol to screens requiring a parallel data stream via an onboard controller chip on the display. The microbit module provides access to three popular serial hardware/protocol industry standards: UART,  I2C and SPI. The above discussion on serial transmission specifically describes UART in basic terms. Meanwhile I2C and SPI also transmit their data bits in a serial sequence they have different start/stop and timing mechanisms. UART is an asynchronous serial protocol where each connected device must maintain their own clock and transmission can be initiated by either device at anytime. SPI and I2C are synchronous serial protocols where one device provides the clock signals and initiates transmission. [1]https://newhavendisplay.com/blog/serial-vs-parallel-communication/ [2]https://www.circuitbasics.com/basics-uart-communication/

A bit can only have one of two possible values; 0 or 1. Considering the physical layer, bits can be transmitted as either a HIGH value (e.g. 3.3V) representing a 1 or a LOW value (e.g. 0V) representing a 0.

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Almost always more than a single bit needs to be transmitted from one device to a receiving device. Multiple bits can be transmitted simultaneously across parallel wires or sequentially on a single wire. What this looks like, with advantages and disadvantages of both approaches, is discussed in the sections following.

Legacy IPS are often deployed as a standalone solution. An IPS appliance, physical or virtual, is deployed alongside other security solutions at the enterprise network perimeter. All network traffic entering or leaving the enterprise network – or routed through it for security inspection – passes through all of these devices before being sent on to its destination.

The transmitter initiates the transmission by sending a start bit  which advises the receiver that a packet is about to be sent. After the data frame  has been sent, an optional error check (parity bit) may be sent. The transmitter will then send a stop bit indicating end of transmission. If there is more data to be sent then the process will be repeated.