Which network devices secure API platforms?

Content switches (load balancers) distribute traffic across servers and might offer some basic security features, but they are not primarily designed for comprehensive API platform security against application-layer attacks.

Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) are purpose-built security devices or services that sit in front of web applications and APIs, protecting them from a variety of attacks, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and API-specific threats by inspecting HTTP/HTTPS traffic.

Next-generation intrusion detection systems (IDS) monitor network traffic for malicious activity and alert administrators, but they typically focus on broader network threats rather than specific API-level vulnerabilities as a WAF does.

Layer 3 transit network devices (routers) forward traffic between different networks and are not designed to provide application-layer security for API platforms.