Resource Analysis of Lightweight Cryptography Algorithms for Compact Devices

The increasing number of sensitive electronic transactions highlights the need for fast and secure communication networks. Cryptographic algorithms offer a means to securely transmit information over communication channels. As data rates rise, software-based encryption becomes inadequate. Hardware implementation of cryptographic algorithms and their associated keys provides greater physical security, as they are not easily accessed or altered by external users. Enhancing the reliability of the algorithms, as well as their speed performance and implementation flexibility, are key areas of focus. This study proposes to compare the resource utilization of lightweight cryptography algorithms, specifically LED and ZORRO. The ZORRO algorithm uses 128-bit block and key sizes and operates through 24 rounds, with each round consisting of four transforms, the last two being identical operations. These rounds enhance security and operational efficiency. Additionally, the LED algorithm, known for its compactness and versatility in providing various security services, is also examined. It is widely used in applications such as RFID, smart cards, and sensor networks. This research aims to analyse the resource utilization of these algorithms using Xilinx FPGA.