RFC 2410 (rfc2410) - Page 1 of 6


The NULL Encryption Algorithm and Its Use With IPsec



Alternative Format: Original Text Document



Network Working Group                                           R. Glenn
Request for Comments: 2410                                          NIST
Category: Standards Track                                        S. Kent
                                                                BBN Corp
                                                           November 1998


          The NULL Encryption Algorithm and Its Use With IPsec

Status of this Memo

   This document specifies an Internet standards track protocol for the
   Internet community, and requests discussion and suggestions for
   improvements.  Please refer to the current edition of the "Internet
   Official Protocol Standards" (STD 1) for the standardization state
   and status of this protocol.  Distribution of this memo is unlimited.

Copyright Notice

   Copyright (C) The Internet Society (1998).  All Rights Reserved.

Abstract

   This memo defines the NULL encryption algorithm and its use with the
   IPsec Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP).  NULL does nothing to
   alter plaintext data.  In fact, NULL, by itself, does nothing.  NULL
   provides the means for ESP to provide authentication and integrity
   without confidentiality.

   Further information on the other components necessary for ESP
   implementations is provided by [ESP] and [ROAD].

1.  Introduction

   This memo defines the NULL encryption algorithm and its use with the
   IPsec Encapsulating Security Payload [ESP] to provide authentication
   and integrity without confidentiality.

   NULL is a block cipher the origins of which appear to be lost in
   antiquity.  Despite rumors that the National Security Agency
   suppressed publication of this algorithm, there is no evidence of
   such action on their part. Rather, recent archaeological evidence
   suggests that the NULL algorithm was developed in Roman times, as an
   exportable alternative to Ceaser ciphers. However, because Roman
   numerals lack a symbol for zero, written records of the algorithm's
   development were lost to historians for over two millennia.





Glenn & Kent                Standards Track