Deep Packet Inspection

Definition Uses Privacy Concerns Neutrality Concerns

DPI – Definition Packet Inspection – looking at the header portion of a packet for security or analysis purposes.

DPI – Internet Packets & OSI Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) – Removes the header information from a packet to inspect the actual contents of the packet. Capable of inspecting layers 2 – 7 of the OSI model.

DPI – Potential Uses MarketingLoad Balancing Virus/Spam ProtectionCopyright Enforcement SurveillanceTiered Internet Access

DPI – Current Capabilities Targeted Advertising – The ability to deliver ad content based on a specific user’s browsing habits.

DPI – Current Capabilities P2P file sharing and streaming video represent nearly 60% of today's bandwidth Source:

DPI – Current Capabilities Bandwidth Optimization – Prioritizing certain network services over others to improve overall network performance. Tiered Broadband Services – The ability to fine tune services and restrictions on different levels of internet access.

DPI – Current Capabilities PlusNet Service Plans

DPI – Current Capabilities Lawful Intercept – The requirement of telecommunications systems to provide access to information to law enforcement agencies. DPI enables efficient lawful intercept of internet traffic.

DPI – Current Capabilities “The Great Firewall of China” – An effort by the Chinese government to block its citizens’ access to “subversive” material. Uses DPI, along with packet filtering, IP blocking, and URL filtering to restrict access to content.

DPI – Current Capabilities In 2004, Mark Klein, an AT&T technician, uncovered the existence of a secret room used by the NSA to intercept its network traffic.

DPI – Current Capabilities Narus ST-6400  Capable of 10G/s of analysis  CALEA-compliant

DPI – Current Capabilities Numerous lawsuits have since been filed, with no success, challenging the indiscriminate collection of domestic communications. In 2007, the FISA bill was amended to accommodate the collection of intelligence from those “reasonably believed” to be linked to Al- Qaeda or other terrorist groups. Telecoms like AT&T – which participated in the initial program – were granted immunity from civil liability.

DPI – Concerns Major Concerns:  Net Neutrality  Privacy  Legality

DPI – Net Neutrality “…the principle that Internet users should be in control of what content they view and what applications they use on the Internet” Practices of China represent an obvious threat to net neutrality – but what about “tiered” internet services?

DPI – Privacy Concerns 2006 – Phorm conducted a test of its services on 18,000 unwitting broadband subscribers 2008 – Investigation launched into the 2006 secret trials of the Phorm system. No charges filed since they provided an opt-out mechanism.

DPI - Summary