Network security and performance is only as good as the configurations that make up the architecture. Often networks sporting the newest, cutting edge technology and equipment are the poorest performing networks we see. Each year businesses spend thousands of dollars on the latest greatest equipment, but often do not have the resources both in time and manpower to manage and even install these systems. That's why we implement and service multiple vendor solutions based on your requirements and capabilities. Installing complicated Intrusion Detection System that requires manual handwritten proprietary signatures on an regular basis or 24 by 7 monitoring is not always practical, particularly for a mid sized business needing good security without a high cost of ownership. For other firms its the only solution to consider. Security is based on risk, and mitagting risk is half the battle.

We can help you find the right solution for your network needs based on your requirements including interoperability with legacy hardware and solutions as well as designing room for adaptation and scalability. Layer 9 is first and foremost a network engineering firm and while we specialize in network security solutions and testing our core foundation is and always will be network engineering. Thus all of our engineers are experienced not only in network security solutions but are experts in all aspects of network engineering from the access to the core. We believe network security begins on the wire and therefore its on the wire that we begin.

Architecture and Design - Configuration and Implementation - Analysis and Troubleshooting

Architecture and Design

A networks performance and security is only as good as the initial design and the resulting architecture. Proper equipment placement, tiering, access controls, protocol support, etc, are just a few of the considerations that need to go into the design planning of any modern production network. Yet we frequently see networks that have been literally pieced together with no thought for performance, scalability or interoperability. In fact, a lot of our work stems from improving these very networks, and improving their overall design for performance and security. That's why we take network design seriously, and will make every effort to ensure your network is as secure as it is efficient.

Configuration and Implementation

Whether you need assistance configuring a network appliance or device, integrate one into your existing network or need help building your entire network from the ground up, we can help with the latest, cutting edge routing, switching and network service and security appliances. But we also offer full service legacy support, something lacking in many business offerings today. We install configure most network devices and applicances including Layer 3 switching and content switching solutions as well as network security appliances including Intrusion Detection Systems, VPN termination appliances and SSL offloading solutions. Our network engineers and network security engineers can install and configure most mainstream Firewall and other network security and web service appliances including our specialty, Cisco® 5500 series ASA Security Appliances and Symantec 5000 and 7000 series IDS\IPS Gateway appliances. Most networks today include a mix of current and legacy devices. Upgrading these devices and appliances is not always practicle.Layer 2 and 3 Switching Solutions, Content Switching Solutions including the Cisco® CSS 11000 series content switches, SSL Offloading appliances including the Cisco 11500 series Secure Content Analyzers, VPN solutions including Legacy support for Cisco 3000 and 5000 series VPN Concentrators, RadGuard® CiPro, Symantec® Velociraptor and Symantec Gateway Appliances, Juniper®, PIX IOS VPN solutions and more. In addition we install most network cabling, wiring and rack or cabinet enclosure installs, and we service and install biometric and other access controls as well as server room video surveillance equipment. If its network related, we can probably help.

Analysis and Troubleshooting

Layer 9 specializes in troubleshooting difficult network problems and performance issues. We utilize state of the art protocol analysis and other techniques to troubleshoot difficult to isolate network and even application issues. Example: Layer 9 was called into a large, fortune 100 Firm to troubleshoot an unidentified network issue involving an IPSEC Fail over Tunnel connecting to a client location and a clustered Oracle Database. The database would not establish a connection during fail over but worked fine during normal operations. Network Engineers from both the Fortune 100 firm and the client worked for many months on the issue until finally calling in Layer 9. Our team of protocol analysts and developers worked together on the issue, gathering information from critical points in the network and within hours isolated and identified the issue, and within 48 hours designed and implemented a fix and the problem was resolved.

This is just one example of dozens where Layer 9 network analysts and protocol analysts resolved difficult network communication and performance issues quickly and efficiently, and we can most likely do the same for you and for a cost that might surprise you. Troubleshooting a network is more than plugging in an automated device and hoping it spots the trouble. Fast, effective troubleshooting takes experienced protocol analysts and network engineers who know what they're looking for, why they're looking for it, and what they're looking at when they find it. When you just can't make it work, and you've got to make it work go ahead and try everything and then try us.

Sometimes Your Network Just Needs Someone To Listen To It

Need a DMZ solution integrated into your current E-Business Infrastructure? Want an IDS Appliance Solution that doesn't require proxy or gateway functionality? How about fast, efficent SSL Offloading for E-Business or secure networks? We can help.

Need Legacy support? No problem. We service and support most legacy network transport and security devices and appliances.

Layer 9 does not sell hardware or software solutions, but we do recommend, install and service them, depending on your requirements. We also maintain several vendor partnerships and can arrange for procurement of most network equipment and network security equipment. We specialize in solutions from multiple vendors, including Cisco Systems®, Symantec®, eEye® Digital Security, Checkpoint® and more.