Abstract: A secure packet processor includes a buffer, a cryptographic engine and an authentication engine. The buffer is adapted to receive a secure packet that includes encrypted data and indicates an authentication signature. The cryptographic engine is adapted to decrypt the encrypted data to produce an indication of second data. The authentication engine is adapted to use the encrypted data to validate the signature concurrently with the decryption of at least a portion of the decrypted data. The authentication engine and the cryptographic engines may also be adapted to concurrently validate and encrypt data of an unsecure packet.

Abstract: A bus interface and method allow a special purpose processor and other components on a bus to efficiently communicate with a network controller. The interface and protocol support a variety of functions, including the ability to directly indicate to the network controller whether received data packets are destined for an external network entity, such as an external Ethernet controller, or for local computer memory. Additionally, the network controller can cut-off packets of data in mid-transfer to the network controller, and then later, at the command of the network controller, the data transfer may be resumed at the point within the packet at which it line was cut-off. Separate signal lines are used to inform the network controller of the general destination of the received data packets.