Cavium Offers Security Processor for WiMAX Base Stations and CPE

Cavium Networks, a start-up based in Mountain View, California, introduced optimized versions of its security processors for WiMax base stations and customer premise equipment (CPE). The 802.16 standard requires a security sub-layer encrypting connections between Subscriber Station (CPE) and Base Station using the AES-CCM protocol. It also requires the usage of a client/server key management protocol based on X.509 digital certificates and RSA public-key encryption algorithm [PKCS #1]. Cavium said processing these algorithms on the CPU of a base station or a CPE would consume valuable processing cycles thereby reducing application performance. It believes the optimal solution is to offload the security processing to a dedicated co-processor.


Cavium's NITROX & NITROX II security processors provide 802.16-2004 compliant security for base stations requiring 75 Mbps to multi-Gbps performance. The need for multiple gigabit performance arises from large, 16-sector base station, where each sector could be operating at up to 75 Mbps.


Cavium's the NITROX Soho Secure Communication Processors (SCP) provide the same support for CPEs requiring 64 Kbps to 20 Mbps performance.


Cavium said the security support for both product families is extendible to 802.16e, the mobile version of the WiMAX standard.


Additionally, the company announced that nex-G, a designer, developer and manufacturer of carrier class wireless broadband solutions for the global market, is using NITROX II security processors in its Horizon Sixteen Sector WiMAX Base Station. http://www.caviumnetworks.com