Network processors for communication security: a review

Network processor units (NPUs) are application specific instruction processors (ASIPs) specialized and optimized to perform different network functionalities. As security is one of the essential network issues, it is better to be implemented using NPUs because of the need for fast processing to achieve high data rates. In this paper, we provide an overview on the use of NPUs for security. There exist three approaches to implement security using NPUs: the look-aside, the flow-through, and the integrated security blocks. Moreover, when we deal with wireless systems, wireless security processor implementation to meet the general design constraints of wireless devices. These constraints include limited bandwidth, low power consumption, and minimized area. In addition, designers of wireless security processors take into account the need for fast processing and flexibility.