Data Diodes and High-Performance Computers

For data to be communicated to devices, it must travel over a network. However, networks are not always secure and, as a result, data must be processed and encrypted before it is sent out to a network. 

In this blog, you'll learn how high-performance computers help support data diodes to ensure the rapid, secure processing and transfer of data between networks.

What is a data diode?

A data diode is a hardware-based device with two nodes, or circuits,  one send only and one receive only, that allow the flow of data in one direction only, from a source to a destination. 

How does a data diode work?

Data diodes allow data to flow in one direction only, from secure areas to less secure areas. This is usually from a network, to a device, and out to another network. Networks of different security levels are called segmented networks. 

Data diodes are often composed of communication cards, like NIC cards, that work as a pair.

The first card is the "send" card and only has electronic components that allow it to send data, with no ability to receive. The second card is the "receive" card and only has electronic components that allow it to send data. This ensures that the data can only flow in one direction. 

Because data is only sent in one direction, a barrier is created between the two points. This prevents data leakage and fully protects the sending network from external network threats. 

Why are data diodes important?

As data travels over networks and between devices, intruders and contentious elements can infiltrate the network. 

Securing all of a network's data outflow with data diodes make it impossible for an insecure or hostile network to pass along malware, access your system, or accidentally make harmful changes. 

Data diodes can send data in real-time without compromising the security of their networks, protecting valuable information and network infrastructure. 

Data diodes and Trenton Systems

Our USA-made, high-performance computing solutions, in both rack mount and small form factor, support data diodes to ensure the rapid processing and secure transfer of data between segmented networks with next-gen Intel processors and advanced cybersecurity technologies. 

With 100G/40G/25G/10G/1G Ethernet, data is quickly sent to high-core count processors to be analyzed and encrypted before it is sent to a data diode and then out to a network. 

Designed by our dedicated team of engineers with customer requirements at top of mind, our solutions support conformal coating, NIC card installation, and customizable I/O (input/output).

Our systems also support PCIe 3.0, PCIe 4.0, and bifurcation into x4/x8/x16 slots for various add-on cards, enhanced throughput, and rapid data transfer in real-time. 

Want to learn more? Get in touch with one of our experts to craft a customized, USA-made solution that supports data diodes and cross domain solutions through high-performance computing at the edge.