iShaper Dual Plane architecture provides technology where it makes the most sense — combining out-of-band advanced services with inline real-time visibility and optimization working synergistically at the branch.

The Perfect Pairing of Inline Performance with Out-of-band Services:

iShaper's innovative Dual Plane architecture delivers the best of inline visibility, shaping and WAN optimization and out-of-band WAFS and Windows services without one compromising the other. Working in concert at the branch, these unique service planes ensure top performance of all your most critical business applications by applying the appropriate technology — and not just what's available — where it's needed most.

iShaper Dual Plane Architecture

Dual Plane

iShaper Dual Plane architecture delivers the right technologies in a single system working synergistically to enable the next generation branch - where WAFS and WAN optimization work together as one to streamline operations and maximize performance of all business processes at the branch office.

One System:

iShaper Dual Plane architecture decouples the network flow from disk-based services with tight integration and high-speed intercommunication in between. This architecture provides unmatched performance and unprecedented simplicity, security and interoperability at the branch office.

The Real-time Services Plane offers "inline" high-speed and near-zero latency flow processing essential for high availability quality of service (QoS) and compression for applications that demand the immediacy of WAN optimization.
The Advanced Services Plane provides "out-of-band," disk-based services including WAFS, caching and bulk optimization, as well as full-fidelity Microsoft®-branch services needed for the next generation branch office.

Count on the combined performance, security and compliance to protect the integrity of your data without holding up other key applications.

How iShaper Dual Plane Architecture Works:

All network traffic passes through the Real-time Services Plane where iShaper "intelligent redirect" determines the right technology to apply. If the traffic is ERP, transactions and VoIP, for example, it will pass through the inline mode where it will be shaped and optimized. If, on the other hand, it's a Windows file or e-mail attachment, for example, then it will be sent to the Advanced Services Plane for full protection and compliance.

The Problem with Inline WAFS:

Until iShaper, the idea of a device combining WAN optimization with WAFS was much better than the reality. When delivered inline, caching and WAFS features together slow things down and can compromise data integrity and end-to-end security. And while it makes sense to include visibility and QoS services inline — only with a complete view and control over bandwidth can you truly optimize the WAN — inline is not the answer for caching and WAFS because:

Caching involves writing to, and seeking from, a disk. This competes with processes seeking to share the appliance's single set of resources and, thus, limits scalability.
WAFS, or any wide area data services, present security and compatibility issues that overshadow mere problems of performance or scale. Traditional acceleration products are limited to inline operation, using "protocol spoofing" that short circuits Windows® security.

And, since both caching and WAFS rely on non-compliant authentication techniques, traditional acceleration products further compromise end-to-end Microsoft authentication, forcing you to trade security for performance. As the industry's only out-of-band WAFS solution built on Windows, iShaper assures integrity, security with complete integration and future proofing for your Microsoft architectures — something that is not possible in an inline environment.

WAFS Inline Delivery

WAFS Inline Delivery

Inline WAFS compel you to compromise Microsoft security — and leave you vulnerable to attacks. iShaper out-of-band WAFS guarantee integrity and security as well as 100 percent integration and future proofing with your Microsoft architectures.

Real-time Services Plane for Inline WAN Optimization:

Leveraging iShaper application-intelligent WAN optimization features the Real-time Services Plane processes traffic to the branch in real-time with the high capacity and high availability functionality you'd expect from network equipment architectures. This not only eliminates the problems normally associated with inline-only WAFS appliances, but also synergizes WAFS functionality with the WAN optimization environment.

Advanced Services Plane for Out-of-band WAFS:

With disk intensive bulk operations and service delivery in a separate plane, iShaper Advanced Services guarantee the increased scalability and extensibility that single function optimization equipment cannot deliver. Drawing on iShaper's comprehensive WAFS features, these full-fidelity Microsoft services enable your organization to realize the return on server and storage consolidation by providing control over storage growth and uncertain backup processes.