3Com S7902E, Configuration Manual

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ACFP Configuration
When configuring ACFP, go to these sections for information you are interested in:
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Introduction to ACFP
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ACFP Configuration Task List
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Configuring the ACFP Server (Switch)
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Configuring ACFP Client (OAP Card)
Introduction to ACFP
Basic data communication networks comprise of routers and switches, which forward data packets. As
data networks develop, more and more services run on them. It has become inappropriate to use
legacy devices for handling some new services. Therefore, some security products such as firewalls,
and Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), and voice and wireless products are designed to handle specific
services.
For better support of new services, manufacturers of legacy networking devices (routers and switches
in this document) have developed various dedicated service boards (cards), which can be plugged or
connected to these legacy networking devices for cooperating to handle these services. This gives full
play to the advantages of respective manufacturers for better support of new services while reducing
user investments.
The open application architecture (OAA) is an open service architecture developed with this concept. It
integrates devices and software produced by different manufacturers, making them function as one
device, and thus providing integrated resolutions for the customers.
The Application Control Forwarding Protocol (ACFP) is developed based on the OAA architecture. A
router or switch mirrors or redirects the received packets to an ACFP client after matching the ACFP
collaboration rules. The ACFP client then processes the packets in different ways.
ACFP Architecture
Figure 1-1 Diagram for ACFP architecture
As shown in Figure 1-1 , the ACFP architecture consists of:
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Routing/switching component: As the main part of a router and a switch, it performs complete
router/switch functions and is also the core of user management control. This part is called the
ACFP server.
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Independent service component: It is the main part open for development by a third party and is
mainly used to provide various unique service functions. This part is called the ACFP client.