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MARSIO MARSIO is Geedge Networks' Linux-based userspace implementation of a Layer-2 and Layer-3 network forwarding plane designed to support switching and routing functionalities within TSG-OS. Key features include switching capabilities such as VLAN support and spanning tree protocols, as well as routing functionalities like longest-prefix match pathfinding, route weight sorting, and compatibility with protocols such as OSPF and BGP. This implementation facilitates efficient deep packet inspection by circumventing the limitations of the Linux kernel data and forwarding plane for the majority of packets processed through the Tiangou Secure Gateway. This architecture is common among other network equipment vendors due to the inherent inefficiencies of the Linux kernel network stack. MARSIO is based on the open-source Data Plane Development Kit (DPDK) project managed by the Linux Foundation. Using the open source DPDK allows them to make the network stack hardware vendor agnostic, because the work of making it compatible with a variety of network hardware has already been done for them. Ether Fabric Ether Fabric serves as a network packet broker (NPB) designed to connect and loadbalance multiple TSG nodes within a clustered configuration. It distributes monitored traffic among these nodes based on a hash of the IP 5-tuple, and can be deployed in either an active (in-line) or passive (mirrored) configuration. This means that the load-balancing is implemented in a way where the packets associated with a particular connection will always get sent to the same TSG node, avoiding a split brain problem. In addition to its load-balancing capabilities, Ether Fabric can select specific network flows and direct them to a specific node. Ether Fabric is a bespoke hardware product created by Geedge Networks. It’s the only hardware that we are aware of in their product offerings that is not off-the-shelf, white label hardware. Image Caption:   Photo of the Ether Fabric hardware, the only bespoke hardware from Geedge Networks. It shows what the ATCA form factor looks like.

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The Internet Coup A Technical Analysis on How a Chinese Company is Exporting The Great Firewall to Autocratic Regimes

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Language

English

Topic

Digital Rights
Digital Surveillance
Internet Connectivity / Accessibility
Internet Restrictions

Author(s)

INTER SECLAB

Date Published: Sep 9, 2025

Abstract: Over the past two decades, the Chinese government has been steadily refining their model of internet control using surveillance and censorship technologies domestically while promoting this approach to other nations under the banner of “digital sovereignty”. Through the export of these technologies, China is not only extending its global influence but also laying the foundation for a federated system of internet governance. In this system, Chinese companies provide the infrastructure and expertise for client governments to more easily monitor and control their own networks, while learning from these deployments and improving collective capacity for digital authoritarianism worldwide.

This research by InterSecLab uncovers evidence of the export of a suite of technologies resembling China’s Great Firewall by Geedge Networks, a private company linked to the academic entity ‘Massive and Effective Stream Analysis’ (Mesalab), a research laboratory at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Our team’s investigation identifies a pattern of commercialization of surveillance capabilities, with Geedge Networks offering a suite of products that enable comprehensive monitoring and control of internet users.

InterSecLab’s analysis reveals that Geedge Networks is contracted with governments in Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Myanmar, and one other unknown country to establish sophisticated systems of internet censorship and surveillance. Furthermore, our findings indicate that Geedge Networks is also involved in developing similar systems deployed within China, including in Xinjiang and other regions.

Based on analysis of a leak of more than 100,000 Geedge Networks documents that was shared with InterSecLab, this research sheds light on the features and capabilities of Geedge Networks’ systems, which include deep packet inspection, real-time monitoring of mobile subscribers, granular control over internet traffic, as well as censorship rules that can be tailored to each region. The leak also reveals information about Geedge Networks’ relationship with the academic entity, Mesalab, as well as their interactions with client governments. The implications for data sovereignty are significant, and our findings raise concerns about the commoditization of surveillance and information control technologies.

This research examines the recent development of Geedge Networks’ systems in various countries, including what is known about their deployment timelines. By analyzing the company’s internal documentation, InterSecLab was able to chronicle the expansion of commercially available national firewalls and speculate about the implications for the future of the global internet considering the spread of such systems.

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Myanmar Internet Project

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The Internet Coup A Technical Analysis on How a Chinese Company is Exporting The Great Firewall to Autocratic Regimes

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