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Data integrity and confidentiality at  Layer 2

Portsmouth, NH – April 28, 2008 – Elbrys Networks is pleased to announce Elbrys Networks Soft-MACsec™.  Soft-MACsec is a modular, portable implementation of the IEEE Std 802.1AE-2006 ™ MACsec standard for network Layer 2 integrity and confidentiality.  Soft-MACsec uses a software implementation of the Advanced Encryption Standard, Galois Counter Mode (AES-GCM) crypto-library, and is intended to handle moderate data-rate applications, such as control plane traffic.

Soft-MACsec serves two primary functions in the target platform: (a) it provides software-driven integrity and confidentiality for Layer 2 protocol traffic and (b) it provides a common framework that can be adapted to support the control and configuration of MACsec with hardware assist, once silicon supporting IEEE Std. 802.1AE is readily available in the market.

The use case for 802.1AE Link Layer Security (MACsec) is network data integrity and optional confidentiality protection at Layer 2 on a hop-by-hop basis.  Whenever network traffic passes over physically unprotected links or multiple systems have the ability to send or forward traffic onto a physically protected link, it may be desirable to cryptographically protect the traffic at Layer 2.   MACsec is complementary to similar protection provided at Layer 3 by IPsec, and at Layer 4 by SSL/TLS.   For protocols that do not run over Layers 3 and 4, a Layer 2 network security mechanism can be important. This can be a significant product differentiator, and one element of a comprehensive network security architecture. For potential follow-on products, visit http://www.elbrysnetworks.com/products.

About Elbrys Networks

Elbrys Networks was 'spun out' from Meetinghouse Data Communications as the result of the latter being acquired by Cisco Systems in 2006.  Elbrys has been engaged in contract engineering, quality assurance services, consulting and product development with enterprise layer 2/3 switches (since 1988 under Meetinghouse guise) and continues to work closely with one of the market leading switch vendors.  During this time Elbrys has developed deep expertise in Layer 2/3 networking and security products.  It was this work that led to the development Meetinghouse's 802.1X technology.

Elbrys is now moving to grow its business by developing core product offerings and partnerships in the network security and mobility spaces.  Specifically, the company is targeting the complex issues around roaming and enrollment and is focusing on the support of 802.21 in switches and endpoints. Additionally, Elbrys is developing link layer security modules, such as IEEE 802.1AE, 802.1X-REV, and 802.1AR.  To meet these ends, Elbrys has recently expanded its team adding additional expertise in the areas of networking, wireless connectivity and roaming.  For additional information, visit the company website at http://www.elbrysnetworks.com.

Contact

Dave Nelson

+1 603 570 2636