User's Manual Part 3
Release8OperationsGuide
Issue2,November2007 Draft5forRegula toryReview 376
The Cyclone distributor or reseller can advise service providers about current regional
availability. Cyclone AES products are certified as compliant with the Federal Information
Processing Standards (FIPS) in the U.S.A. The National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST) in the U.S.A. has specified AES for significantly greater security than
that which DES provides. NIST selected the AES algorithm for providing the best
combination of security, performance, efficiency, implementation, and flexibility. NIST
collaborates with industry to develop and apply technology, measurements, and
standards.
22.2.3 AES‐DESOperabilityComparisons
This section describes the similarities and differences between DES and AES products,
and the extent to which they may interoperate.
The DES AP and the DES BHM modules are factory-programmed to enable or disable
DES encryption. Similarly, the AES AP and the AES BHM modules are factory-
programmed to enable or disable AES encryption. In either case, the authentication key
entered in the Configuration page establishes the encryption key. For this reason,
the authentication key must be the same on each end of the link. See Authentication Key
on Page 286.
Feature Availability
Cyclone AES products run the same software as DES products. Thus feature availability
and functionality are and will continue to be the same, regardless of whether AES
encryption is enabled. All interface screens are identical. However, when encryption
is enabled on the Configuration screen
• the AES product provides AES encryption.
• the DES product provides DES encryption.
Cyclone AES products and DES products use different FPGA (field-programmable gate
array) loads. However, the AES FPGA will be upgraded as needed to provide new
features or services similar to those available for DES products.
Cyclone DES products cannot be upgraded to AES. To have the option of AES
encryption, the operator must purchase AES products.
Interoperability
Cyclone AES products and DES products do not interoperate when enabled for
encryption. For example, An AES AP with encryption enabled cannot communicate with
DES SMs. Similarly, an AES Backhaul timing master module with encryption enabled
cannot communicate with a DES Backhaul timing slave module.
However, if encryption is disabled, AES modules can communicate with DES modules.