Robustness-Agile Encryptor for ATM Networks

Abstract

This paper describes a robustness-agile A TM encryption unit which exploits parallel control processes. A VLSI chip implementing these concepts is presented. This single-chip encryptor performs CBC-mode Triple-DES encryption up to 155 Mbps with delays well below one ATM cell period. The microchip advances the field of confidentiality services in A TM networks in several dimensions: First, the delay introduced due to encryption has been minimized and is negligible in terms of Quality of Services requirements of delay sensitive applications. Second, outer-CBC Triple-DES is supported at 155 Mbps, so far not used by ATM encryptors. Third, the unit is scalable in the number of virtual connections, i.e. the number of agile session keys. Finally, the single-chip approach allows to integrate encryption into the enduser A TM access device, such as a desktop PC. 1 The work described ongms from the European Commission funded project Secure Communications in ATM Networks (SCAN) established under contract AC0330 in the Advanced Communications Technologies and Services (ACTS) Program.