Asymmetric routing is a computer network issue that occurs when the incoming and outgoing traffic follow different routes, causing confusion and potential security vulnerabilities. While this may not seem like a major problem, it can lead to a range of issues, from reduced performance to security breaches. Luckily, there are solutions available to help navigate and mitigate the complexities of asymmetric routing, such as FortiGate solutions.
One challenge of asymmetric routing is that devices can’t always correctly match an incoming packet with an outgoing packet. This can result in the device not understanding the session context or losing track of where the data originated, which can lead to dropped connections or incorrect responses. When using FortiGate solutions, FortiGate firewalls can monitor the connections and provide session-based security policies to secure both sides of an asymmetric session, regardless of which path is used.
Another issue that can be caused by asymmetric routing is a Delayed Binding scenario, where the firewall session table does not have enough information to correctly identify the sessions’ path. A delayed binding scenario can lead to incorrect policy matches that can open up security vulnerabilities. FortiGate solutions can alleviate this issue using an advanced method called Virtual IP (VIP Mapping). With VIP Mapping, the firewall can create specific IP addresses, allowing the firewall to match traffic flow based on the VIP address, even for asymmetric routing applications.
FortiGate’s VIP Mapping is a two-step process that includes creating a VIP object that acts as a proxy for the asymmetric routing relationship and a firewall policy that applies the VIP object settings. With this approach, the FortiGate firewall can ensure that all incoming traffic to a VIP object is properly identified and routed, regardless of its source or path. This allows for a consistent and secure use of asymmetric routing without compromising network security.
In summary, asymmetric routing can cause a range of issues and security vulnerabilities, but with FortiGate’s advanced solutions, these challenges can be mitigated. By relying on the FortiGate’s VIP Mapping feature, network administrators can quickly and efficiently create robust security policies that protect their networks from the challenges of asymmetric routing. So if you’re having issues with asymmetric routing in your network, consider incorporating a FortiGate solution to navigate the complexities and keep your network secure.