The Software Performance of Authenticated Encryption Modes

Authors:
Ted Krovetz and Phillip Rogaway

Abstract:
We study the software performance of authenticated-encryption modes CCM, GCM, and OCB. Across a variety of platforms, we find OCB to be substantially faster than either alternative. For example, on an Intel i5 (“Clarkdale”) processor, good implementations of CCM, GCM, and OCB encrypt at around 4.2 cpb, 3.7 cpb, and 1.5 cpb, while CTR mode requires about 1.3 cpb. Still we find room for algorithmic improvements to OCB, showing how to trim one blockcipher call (most of the time, assuming a counter-based nonce) and reduce latency. Our fidings contrast with those of McGrew and Viega (2004), who claimed similar performance for GCM and OCB.

References:
FSE 2011. Springer, 2011.

Full Version:
Full version available in pdf.