The solution provided to us included the IDS/IPS sensor and a preconfigured Windows server loaded with the Network Security Manager. We had the server set up and talking to the sensor in no time. There are default policies that come as part of the base setup that provide basic protections. The device examines the header and data portion of every network packet, looking for patterns and behavior in the network traffic that indicate malicious activity.
Creating policy and managing the sensors is done through a web-based user interface. We really liked the threat analyzer capabilities. This feature discovers hosts on the network and creates a nice map showing security events that violate configured policies.
McAfee Network Security Platform models range from 100Mbps throughput to 10Gbps-plus. List prices range from $10,995 for the M-1250 (100 Mbps) model to $229,995.
Support is provided at a cost of 20 percent of the price of the solution. Several upgraded support offerings are available.