The efficiency of block ciphers in Galois/Counter Mode in IPsec-based virtual private networks

Abstract

Encryption algorithms (ciphers) and modes of their operation (or, modes) have significant influence on efficiency (i.e. security and performance) of IP-based networks. The recently introduced newest modes of cipher operation - authenticated encryption with associated data (AEAD) modes - provide confidentiality, integrity and authenticity of transferred data in a single 2-phase cryptographic scheme. One of the most promising AEAD cryptographic schemes - the Galois/Counter Mode (GCM) - provides encryption and message authentication using universal hashing based on multiplication in a binary finite field. This paper presents obtained research results about the efficiency of popular ciphers in GCM mode for a transfer of rich multimedia data in IPsec-based virtual private networks.