Design & Reuse

Rambus Launches MACsec-IP-364 (+363) Engine to Secure Terabit Ethernet Networks

The data center industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation, driven by the explosive growth of hyperscale cloud services, artificial intelligence (AI), and high-performance computing (HPC). Ethernet technology is rapidly evolving, moving beyond 800G to 1.6T and 3.2T speeds. This acceleration is enabled by advances in optical connectivity and cutting-edge silicon nodes at 3nm and 2nm, supporting pluggable optical modules for both short-reach (<10km) and long-haul (>500km) applications.

www.embedded.com, Aug. 24, 2025 – 

As Ethernet scales into the Terabit era, robust and power-efficient security becomes essential. Traditional acceleration-based solutions struggle to keep up with the performance demands of modern networks. To address this, Rambus has introduced the Multi-Channel Engine MACsec-IP-364 (+363), designed specifically to deliver line-rate MACsec and optional IPsec at 1.6T and 3.2T Ethernet ports.

High Performance and Scalability
The MACsec-IP-364 (+363) engine supports 1.6T throughput in 3nm process technology and scales to 3.2T in 3nm/2nm nodes, with efficient 800G operation in 5nm designs. Its segmented data bus architecture enables multiple packet processing per cycle, providing breakthrough throughput. Flexibility is built in, with options for channelized or port-based data paths, buffering, flow control, and IEEE 1588 timestamping. A FIPS-ready cryptographic block supports AES-ECB, AES-CTR, and AES-GCM/GMAC, while full IEEE 802.1AE-2018 compliance ensures standards-based security. Optional IPsec ESP modes provide further protection.

 

Broad Application Range
Designed for versatility, the engine suits optical PHYs, switch/router ASICs, NPUs, Smart NICs, 5G SoCs, and AI infrastructure. Its multi-channel architecture supports up to 64 ports, pooling classification and transformation resources to optimize multiport designs. The companion MACsec-IP-363 classifier enables standalone operation or integration with external classifiers for tailored deployments.

Comprehensive Integration Support
To accelerate adoption, Rambus provides a complete integration package, including silicon IP, a driver development kit, hardware and programming manuals, IP-XACT register descriptions, UVM verification, and setup scripts. Customers also benefit from direct engagement with Rambus security experts for streamlined deployment.

Securing the Next Generation of Data Centers
With Ethernet networks advancing toward Terabit speeds, security must evolve in parallel. The Rambus MACsec-IP-364 (+363) delivers the throughput, scalability, and cryptographic strength required to secure data center infrastructure—without compromising latency, power, or performance.