Security architecture and mechanisms for global networking

The interconnection of ISP (Internet access provider) networks to facilitate global roaming over the Internet by users of ISPs presents a great security challenge. The primary concern is how for an ISP to offer the global roaming service to its users while minimizing the security risks associated with it. The interconnection of enterprise Intranet to the Internet to extend the global roaming capability to corporate users presents an even greater challenge. This is because of additional security requirements for the protection of the Intranet which are usually associated with the firewall and the desire to protect information transmitted over the Internet. This paper discusses these security issues and presents solutions that have been successfully applied in GRIC(TM) (Global Reach Internet Connection(TM)), the largest worldwide roaming consortium consisting of leading ISPs and telcos that together provide global roaming service to over 7 million ISP and corporate users worldwide.