Abstract. The Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) Data Encryption Standard (DES) Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) is the fastest known implementation of the DES algorithm as defined in the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) Publication 46-2. DES is used for protecting data by cryptographic means. The SNL DES ASIC, over 10 times faster than other currently available DES chips, is a high-speed, fully pipelined implementation offering encryption, decryption, unique key input, or algorithm bypassing on each clock cycle. Operating beyond 105 MHz on 64 bit words, this device is capable of data throughputs greater than 6.7 Billion bits per second (tester limited). Simulations predict proper operation up to 9.28 Billion bits per second. In low frequency, low data rate applications, the ASIC consumes less that one milliwatt of power. The device has features for passing control signals synchronized to throughput data. Three SNL DES ASICs may be easily cascaded to provide the much greater security of triple-key, triple-DES.

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IntroductionDifferent applications have different security requirements for data privacy, data integrity, and authentication. Encryption is one technique that addresses these requirements. Encryption can protect proprietary information as it passes from one end of a complex computer network to the other, even through untrusted intermediate systems, such as on the Internet. Encryption technology has many other uses including encrypting disk files and producing digital signatures.These various applications often have different needs. For example, certain applications may be able to tolerate long times to encrypt/decrypt information, but may also need to protect that information for a long period of time. Other applications, dealing with data that is sensitive while useful, but quickly becomes stale, might benefit from short encryption/decryption times that may accompany a less cryptographically robust algorithm. Digital signature systems typically demand rapid generation or verification of signatures. Depending on how frequently a signature must be verified, the system may need to be optimized for rapid signature generation or rapid signature verification. Efficient high speed communication systems, being of a real-time nature, often require encryption systems that optimize throughput while minimizing network traffic delay. Additional requirements may include minimizing error magnification, deterring message playback attacks, interoperability between faster and slower encryptors/decryptors, and quick recovery from cryptographic synchronization loss. This paper discusses context-agile hardware for end-to-end encryption systems designed for use in high speed communications networks, such as those employing Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) technology. Section 2 compares ATM switch designs with ATM encryptor designs and defines three types of agile encryption to meet the varying needs regarding keys, cryptographic robustness, algorithms, and other characteristics. The application area and advantages are outlined for each type of agility. Section 3 discusses implementation issues, such as high-speed context-switching and the potential effects on ATM Quality of Service (QoS). Section 4 briefly covers management

Wireless communication plays an increasing role in military, industrial, public safety, and academic computer networks. Although in general, radio transmitters are not currently permitted in secured areas at Sandia, wireless communications would open new opportunities, allowing mobile and pervasive user access. Without wireless communications, we must live in a "non-mainstream" world of fixed, wired networks, where it becomes ever more difficult to attract and retain the best professionals.This report provides a review of the current state of wireless communications, which direction wireless technology is heading, and where wireless technology could be employed at Sandia. A list of recommendations on harnessing the power of wireless communications is provided to aid in building a state-of-the-art communication environment for the 21 st century at Sandia.2

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