The impact of security layering on end-to-end latency and system performance in switched and distributed e-business environments

Abstract

Contemporary e-business networks are increasingly implementing the multi-layer security scheme in order to provide a reasonable measure of security for their information systems. The implementation entails formation of a layered architecture (concentric security layers) using packet and application-level filters neither of which provides complimentary functions. The layered architecture provides convenient abstractions and increases the end-to-end latency that results into sub-optimal system performance. In this paper, we present the results of the experiment to quantify the latency introduced by security layering on end-to-end latency and investigate the resulting degree of sub-optimality of system performance in a distributed and switched e-business network.