How many connectivity modes does the VEN have?

The Virtual Enforcement Node (VEN) in Illumio operates in three connectivity modes, which are crucial for how it integrates and communicates within the network. These modes include:

1. Direct Connectivity: The VEN connects directly to the Illumio Policy Compute Engine (PCE) without going through proxies or intermediate devices. This mode ensures real-time communication and is essential for seamless policy enforcement and network visibility.

2. Proxy Connectivity: In scenarios where direct connections are not feasible or secure, the VEN can communicate with the PCE through a proxy. This mode allows the VEN to maintain connectivity even in more complex network environments where direct connections may be restricted.

3. Local Connectivity: The VEN can also operate in a local mode where it communicates with other nodes in a localized manner without needing a connection to the PCE for every activity. This is useful for maintaining performance and responsiveness while allowing for some level of independent operation.

Understanding these modes is essential for configuring and optimizing the deployment of Illumio’s segmentation capabilities within an organization’s network. Each mode serves distinct operational requirements and scenarios, providing flexibility depending on the environment in which the VEN is deployed.