IPSec Offload Performance

This paper presents the results of a case study that tested the performance of IPSec Offload feature of Microsoft Windows 2000 Server using 3COM 10/100 Mbps PCI Server NIC 3XP Processors. Based on the results of the benchmark, it was concluded that, in a few cases, a fast CPU with ample RAM and CACHE could yield better performance than a 3DES NIC using the IPSec Offload feature of Microsoft Windows 2000 Server. In most cases, with the IPSec Offload turned on, there was improvement in overall performance of the system. This paper concludes that in order to yield and maintain peak performance, the selection of encryption protocols and devices ought to be dynamic and based on runtime environmental factors.