Skip to content
SynAc
Term

bump-in-the-wire

An implementation approach that places a network security mechanism outside of the system that is to be protected. (Compare: bump-in-the-stack.)

Senses

(I)

An implementation approach that places a network security mechanism outside of the system that is to be protected. (Compare: bump-in-the-stack.)

Example: IPsec can be implemented outboard, in a physically separate device, so that the system that receives the IPsec protection does not need to be modified at all [R4301]. Military- grade link encryption has mainly been implemented as bump-in-the- wire devices.

References
  • IETF RFC 4949 (Internet Security Glossary)Jan 06, 2026
    RFC 4949 — Internet Security Glossary (Version 2)
    https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc4949.txt
    RFC 4949 is published by the IETF Trust and marked as "Distribution of this memo is unlimited". Verify IETF Trust copyright/licensing terms for reuse.
    Source: IETF RFC 4949 (rfc-editor.org).