DES vs 3DES

[jcliang]

Has anyone compared the throughput difference between single DES (56bit) vs 3DES (168 bits)? say on a 1720 with encrytion card. Thanks.

[thomas.chen]

I wouldn’t compare 56 bit and 3DES on performance only. If you need 3DES for security, make sure you get a router that can handle it. The 1700 can handle 3DES 256-byte packets without the VPN module at 300 Kbps and 3400 Kbps with the module. Hope this helps you out.

[jcliang]

Thanks for your input. I guess I did not use a good router example. I should have said a 3640 with encryption card. I believe the 3640 with encryption card is rated at 12 Mbps for 3DES. However, if the customer is satified with single DES, how much more through-put can one expect from the 3640 with encryption card.

[royp]

Actually, for any product using a hardware accelerator, the performance of DES and 3DES are almost identical.