eBPF-based enforcement layer that provides high-performance packet filtering and policy enforcement directly in the Linux kernel. xfw operates at network edge points and critical infrastructure locations, executing security policies with microsecond-latency response times.
Key Features
eBPF Kernel-Level Processing
xfw leverages eBPF and XDP technologies to process packets at the earliest possible point in the kernel networking stack. This approach provides unprecedented performance, enabling enforcement of complex security policies at line rate even in high-volume network environments.
Policy-Driven Enforcement
xfw receives security policies from the Aegis orchestration layer and enforces them at strategic network locations. Policies can specify packet filtering rules, rate limiting parameters, connection tracking requirements, and attack mitigation actions based on intelligence from Augur.
Real-Time Threat Response
When Augur predicts threats and Aegis generates corresponding policies, xfw enforces them within milliseconds. This rapid response capability enables protection against attacks before they can cause damage, even for fast-moving threats like DDoS attacks or exploit attempts.
Enforcement Telemetry
xfw generates detailed telemetry about policy enforcement actions, blocked threats, and network patterns. This feedback flows to both Aegis for policy effectiveness assessment and to Augur for machine learning model refinement, creating a continuous improvement cycle.
Strategic Deployment
Network Edge Enforcement
xfw deploys at network edge points where traffic enters or exits your infrastructure. This positioning enables early filtering of attack traffic before it can consume internal network resources or reach protected services.
Critical Infrastructure Protection
Deployment at data center boundaries, cloud infrastructure gateways, and in front of critical services ensures that protective policies enforce at the most effective locations. Aegis uses topology data from Pulse to determine optimal xfw placement.
Distributed Defense
Multiple xfw enforcement points across your infrastructure create layered defense that adapts to attack patterns. Coordinated policy deployment ensures consistent protection while enabling localized responses to regional threats.
Detection and Mitigation
DDoS Protection
xfw implements rate limiting, connection tracking, and traffic shaping policies to mitigate volumetric attacks. Integration with Augur predictions enables preemptive deployment of protective policies before attack traffic reaches critical levels.
Attack Pattern Blocking
Policies based on Augur threat intelligence enable blocking of specific attack patterns, malicious IP addresses, or suspicious protocol behaviors. Real-time policy updates ensure that protection adapts as attacks evolve.
Abuse Prevention
Automated enforcement of policies that prevent scanning attempts, brute force attacks, resource exhaustion, and other abusive behaviors protects infrastructure without manual intervention.
Traffic Validation
Deep packet inspection capabilities validate protocol compliance, detect anomalous behaviors, and enforce security policies based on packet content and connection characteristics.
Integration
xfw operates as the enforcement layer within the Perforlabs Predictive Defense Fabric. It receives policies from Aegis based on threat predictions from Augur, which analyzes signals from Pulse (BGP routing), Flux (network flows), and Pythia (DNS queries). Enforcement telemetry from xfw feeds back to Augur for machine learning refinement and to Aegis for policy effectiveness monitoring, creating a closed-loop system that continuously improves threat detection and response.
Technical Architecture
Operating at the Linux kernel level through eBPF provides xfw with direct access to the networking stack before packets reach user space. XDP processing enables decisions at the network driver level, achieving the performance required for protecting high-bandwidth infrastructure. The programmable nature of eBPF allows dynamic policy updates without kernel modifications or system restarts.
Use Cases
- Service providers protecting customer infrastructure from DDoS attacks and network abuse
- Data centers requiring high-performance filtering at network boundaries
- Cloud providers implementing multi-tenant isolation and attack mitigation
- Enterprises protecting critical infrastructure from sophisticated threats requiring rapid, automated response