Abstract: There is provided a method of operating a network controller for enabling secure communication between network endpoints in a distributed network, as well as a network controller and a network switch and a method of operating a network switch. The network controller has a secure channel with each of the network endpoints. The network controller is providing, in connection with establishment of a network flow for communication between the network endpoints, symmetric keying material associated with and valid only for that network flow. The network controller is further enabling provisioning of the symmetric keying material to the network endpoints for allowing cryptographically secure communication between the network endpoints on a per-flow basis.

Abstract: There is provided a method of operating a network controller for enabling secure communication between network endpoints in a distributed network, as well as a network controller and a network switch and a method of operating a network switch. The network controller has a secure channel with each of the network endpoints. The network controller is providing, in connection with establishment of a network flow for communication between the network endpoints, symmetric keying material associated with and valid only for that network flow. The network controller is further enabling provisioning of the symmetric keying material to the network endpoints for allowing cryptographically secure communication between the network endpoints on a per-flow basis.