State Of Open-Source DPI - Challenges, Opportunities And Alternatives

Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) is a critical technology for managing and securing IP network traffic by analyzing packet payloads to identify underlying applications and service types. Unlike shallow packet inspection, which only examines header data, DPI provides deeper insights into applications, enabling smarter traffic management and stronger security measures.

This comprehensive report explores the adoption and usage of open-source DPI among networking and cybersecurity vendors, highlighting its cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and robust community support. It delves into the capabilities of open-source DPI in traffic classification, including its effectiveness in identifying encrypted, obfuscated, and anonymized traffic flows. The report also delves into the challenges posed by encryption and obfuscation, and evaluates the additional features and capabilities provided by open-source DPI solutions. Furthermore, the report examines the implications of using open-source DPI on network security, the potential need for migration to commercial DPI solutions as vendors scale, and the benefits and tools available for such a transition.

Based on a global survey conducted from March to April 2024 with 48 leading vendors, it offers valuable insights into the current state and future prospects of open-source DPI in the industry.