Via has released a free utility to help Linux developers using 2.6 or higher kernels create VPN gateways and client-server software that exploits cryptographic acceleration in newer Via processors. The PadLock VPN utility works with the PadLock ACE (advanced crytography engine) embedded in the Nehemiah architecture core.

Via announced PadLock ACE at the Microprocessor Forum in October, 2003. Since then, it has delivered several tools to help developers use PadLock ACE, including an SDK (software development kit), a data scrubber, and others.

Via says the new PadLock VPN utility will enable network software developers to combine IPsec and VPN technology with the AES hardware encryption capabilities of PadLock ACE. For example, they could use inexpensive mini-ITX boards from Via as the basis for fast, secure, and inexpensive network access gateways.

Alternatively, developers could use the PadLock VPN utility to create client-server applications that roaming workers using mobile devices based on Via processors could access securely over public networks.

Via says PadLock ACE achieves “virtually transparent” encryption and decryption, with sustained throughputs of12.8 Gb/s and little draw on processor power.

Head of Software Development Justin Hsu said, “The Via PadLock Hardware Security Suite enables highly reliable, power-efficient and fanless networking devices with high speed encryption.”

Security Project Marketing Manager Werner du Plessis said, “With the Via PadLock VPN, the boundaries of conventional network topologies can be significantly extended.”

The Via PadLock VPN utility, PadLock SDK, and other utilities are distributed under the GNU GPL license, and are available for free download from Via Arena.

 
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