X Family Environment
X Family Hardware Installation Guide V 2.5.1 21
Local Security Manager
The Local Security Manager (LSM) is responsible for local administration, configuration, and
reporting for a single X Family device. Through a graphical user interface (GUI), the LSM provides the
interfaces, tools, and processes that configure and monitor the X Family device. The LSM provides a
subset of the management functionality offered through the Security Management System, which is
designed to manage several X Family units from a central server.
You access the LSM through a web browser (Internet Explorer V6 or Firefox). The application accesses
the Operating System and settings stored on the device. Through the LSM, you can manage settings
directly to the device. You access each device to use the LSM. The LSM is not a central application that
accesses each device in turn. Rather, it resides as a graphical client for managing the device.
For more detailed information, see the Local Security Manager User’s Guide.
Security Management System
The Security Management System (SMS) provides a global view and control for the X Family
environment. It is shipped as a management server and includes an enterprise desktop — the
workstation client — through which end users can perform secure, policy-based management tasks
for multiple X Family devices. It provides facilities similar to the LSM but supports a larger scope. Most
important, it provides enterprise-wide reporting.
Unlike the LSM, the SMS client provides a central application for managing multiple X Family devices.
You can create multiple profiles of firewall rules, IPS filters, VPNs, and more to distribute to specific
devices organized in segment groups. You can also update the TOS software updates, Digital Vaccine
packages, and configuration settings for all devices through the SMS.
For more detailed information, see the TippingPoint Security Management System User’s Guide on the
Documentation CD that is shipped with your X Family device.
Threat Management Center
The Threat Management Center (TMC) is the central intelligence bureau for the X Family environment.
The TMC performs comprehensive global reconnaissance for emerging threats. It rapidly builds new
filters and algorithms to suppress such threats.
The TMC offers the following end-user services:
• Digital Vaccine — A subscription service that offers real-time continuous update capability. With
Digital Vaccine, the X Family devices pull new threat filters from the TMC on a routine basis.
• Software Updates — Upgraded and updated versions of the software that you can use for your X
Family device, including the Local Security Manager and Security Management System
• Technical Support — Information on how to contact 3Com and receive technical support for user
issues
