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Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks present a technical challenge for Internet Service Providers (ISPs), requiring comprehensive strategies to protect their WAN and customer networks. This article discusses the key issues and practical solutions for robust DDoS protection.
Uplink to a DMP (DDoS Mitigation Provider)
Effective DDoS protection begins with an uplink to a DDoS Mitigation Provider (DMP) that can filter traffic for the customer using Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). This solution allows incoming traffic to be analyzed and malicious streams to be intercepted before they reach the ISP’s network. By integrating BGP, traffic can be selectively rerouted and cleaned, enabling an efficient and rapid response to DDoS attacks. There are several ways to achieve this:
- Standby Protection
A flexible DDoS protection system should be able to route networks on demand. This means that specific network segments can be redirected to a DMP on an as-needed basis to ward off attacks. This “standby protection” provides a cost-effective solution because resources are only used when an actual attack occurs. However, the NMC (Network Management Center) must first detect a DDoS attack and decide whether to respond.
- Always-On Protection
For highly critical networks, continuous monitoring and protection by the DMP is recommended. With this “always-on” strategy, all network traffic is continuously routed through the DMP to be prepared against DDoS attacks at all times. This method provides the highest level of protection, ensuring that attacks are immediately detected and mitigated.
- Monitored Standby
Another effective strategy is monitored standby, where networks are monitored by flow and automatically redirected in the event of an attack. This approach combines the benefits of standby and always-on protection. Networks are continuously monitored, and when an attack is detected, traffic is automatically redirected to the DMP to counter the attack. Monitoring systems should either notify the relevant Operations (OPS) or Network Management Center (NMC) team and allow them to decide, or automatically reroute the network of the targeted IP through the DMP network using BGP.
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Tenant-Capable System
A modern DDoS protection system must be tenant-capable, meaning it must support the management of multiple customers (tenants) within a single system. This multi-tenant capability allows ISPs to protect and manage different customers and their networks individually without compromising security or performance.
User Access Management
Another critical aspect is User Access Management, which provides various configurations and management options for users. ISPs need to control access to the DDoS protection system and assign different rights and functions to users. This includes managing settings, monitoring, and taking countermeasures.
Conclusion
DDoS protection is a multifaceted challenge for ISPs. Implementing an uplink to a DMP, using standby and always-on protection, monitoring and automatic rerouting during attacks, tenant-capable systems, and effective user access management are essential. These strategies provide a streamlined, efficient approach to DDoS protection that ensures continuous service availability and customer satisfaction.
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