🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1992Nov19.235934.7362@pcnntp.apple.com> normile.j@applelink@apple.com (James Normile) writes:
>Hi there,
>I'd appreciate any information on practical techniques for encrypting data on 
>wireless networks, are standards developing?, is any technology available?
>Thanks
>James Normile

I am responsible for the development of an encryption chip here at Comtech
called PED (the Programmable Encryption Device).  It is a single chip that
contains all the necessary support for the entire range of cryptographic
functions: secret key, public key, random numbers, hashing, etc.  The chip
is under development and an emulator will be available in 1Q93 and prototype
chips in 3Q93.

The chip provides all the crypto support - if you are asking about protocol
standards, I am not aware of any standards that have gained wide acceptance
for wireless networks.  If you want to encrypt your data at layer 3 or 4
of the OSI model then standards have been established in the U.S and are 
being submitted for international standards.  None of that however would
be specific to wireless communications.  Most (if not all) standards work
attempts to be algorithm non-specific.  Therefore you have two selections
to make - one to select the protocols and one to select the actual crypto
to use.  If you wish to imbed the crypto at a low level in your wireless
network, you may very well establish your own "protocol" which would be
simple and specific to your product.  Then you still need the hardware
to perform the encryption.  You can either go buy all the components to
put all that together or you can get a single chip that does all the
crypto.  To the best of my knowledge we are the only company offering such
a single chip solution.

NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) in 1977 established
and encryption standard called DES (the Data Encryption Standard).  They
currently have in draft form a DSS (Digital Signature Standard) and a SHS
(Secure Hashing Standard).  The do not currently have a standard for using
public key to handle key management.  There are several options available
for that.  So, in terms of crytographic algorithms, there is a sufficient
suite of "standards" to provide what you would need.  All of these are
implemented in PED.

Your question did not indicate what level of experience you have in these
areas.  If my response was too tutorial, my apologies.  If I can provide
additional assistance or explanation, please let me know.

Jimmy Upton
Comtech Labs
(415)813-4546
jru@Comtech.com

P.S.  I attempted to mail this response directly to you and save bandwith.
However you return address appears to be corrupted.  If you wish to 
continue this dialogue please send me your address.  Thanks.