In-line rate encrypted links using pre-shared post-quantum keys and DPUs.

Area of Science:

• Cryptography and Network Security
• High-Performance Computing
• Quantum Computing Security

Background:

• Quantum computers pose a significant threat to existing public key infrastructure (PKI) cryptographic algorithms.
• High-performance computing (HPC), data center communications, and governmental systems are vulnerable to quantum attacks.
• Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is being developed to counter these threats, but involves processing overhead.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an experimental performance comparison of NIST-selected PQC algorithms.
• To evaluate PQC implementation on data processing units (DPUs) for practical deployment.
• To assess the suitability of PQC for high-capacity data center environments.

Main Methods:

• Implemented and tested four NIST-selected PQC algorithms on a data processing unit (DPU).
• Conducted experiments at line-rate speeds to simulate real-world network conditions.
• Measured performance metrics relevant to data packet processing and throughput.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated PQC operation at nearly 100 Gbit/s on DPUs.
• Quantified the performance overhead of PQC compared to classical cryptography.
• Validated the feasibility of high-speed PQC data processing.

Conclusions:

• PQC algorithms can achieve high throughput, suitable for demanding data center environments.
• DPU implementation of PQC is viable for transitioning to quantum-resistant security.
• This research supports the adoption of quantum-safe cryptographic schemes.