Synopsys HPC MACsec Security Modules for Ethernet

High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments are increasingly reliant on robust data security measures to protect sensitive information and maintain operational integrity. MACsec is the default security protocol for Ethernet HPC fabrics, providing foundational Layer 2 security that protects network communication against threats like DoS attacks, eavesdropping, and man-in-the-middle attacks. This ensures that each hop between nodes or switches is secured, making MACsec well-suited for securing HPC Ethernet environments.

The demand for enhanced security is further driven by regulatory requirements and standards, such as those from DOE, NASA, and EuroHPC, which mandate FIPS 140-3 or equivalent link protection for external or multi-tenant fabric links. As a result, MACsec is playing a pivotal role in the market due to its line-rate performance and lower latency overhead.

Synopsys’ HPC MACsec Security Modules provide confidentiality, integrity, origin authentication, and replay protection based on scalable AES-GCM cryptography enabling end-to-end security for Ethernet traffic up to 1.6 Tbps rates (MACsec IP scalable to 3.2 Tbps). The HPC MACsec Security Modules are highly-efficient, standards-compliant, inline full-duplex solutions that seamlessly integrate with the Synopsys Ethernet MAC & PCS IP. The solutions support scalable data rates with optimal latency, network prioritization, and diversity for a range of secure Ethernet connections.

The Synopsys HPC MACsec IP seamlessly interoperates with proven, Ethernet MAC, PCS IP and up to 224G Ethernet PHY IP to provide a complete, standards-based Ethernet MAC, PCS and PHY solution for systems up to 1.6T.

Learn about the broad portfolio of Security Solutions for Interfaces.