One Way Network Access

Overview

One-way network access in an air-gapped environment represents a controlled unidirectional communication channel that allows internal systems to initiate connections to external networks while strictly preventing any inbound connections. This approach provides a balance between security isolation and operational efficiency.

Architecture

This is a typical Artifactory deployment in a one-way network air-gapped environment. Note that the JFrog Platform on both sides includes JFrog’s Security solutions like JFrog Xray.

Air Gap One-way Network Air Gap One-way Network

One-Way Connection Scenario

Controlled Unidirectional Access

This scenario allows limited, controlled connectivity from the internal environment to external systems, enabling more automated artifact acquisition while maintaining security boundaries.

Architecture Characteristics

  • Internal Artifactory instance can initiate connections to external systems
  • External systems cannot initiate connections to internal environments
  • Connections are typically proxied through secure gateways with traffic filtering
  • Network traffic is monitored, logged, and subject to security policies

Operational Models

Smart Remote Repositories

  • Internal Artifactory uses remote repositories that proxy external Artifactory instances
  • External instances serve as trusted intermediaries for public repositories
  • Artifact requests flow through secure, unidirectional connections
  • Caching occurs at both external and internal levels for performance optimization

Pull Replication

  • Internal repositories configured to pull approved artifacts from external instances
  • Scheduled replication jobs transfer pre-approved dependencies
  • Automated synchronization of whitelisted artifact collections
  • Centralized control over which artifacts are made available internally

Security Benefits

  • Controlled access to external resources with security oversight
  • Automated artifact acquisition reduces manual overhead
  • Maintains network isolation while enabling necessary connectivity
  • Comprehensive logging and monitoring of all external communications

Operational Advantages

  • Reduced delays in dependency acquisition compared to no-connection scenarios
  • Automated processes reduce human error and operational overhead
  • Better support for CI/CD automation and developer productivity
  • Simplified artifact management and synchronization procedures