Interpeak's Product Fleet Supports IKE Version 2; Interpeak Continues to Add to Its IPv6 Arsenal.

LEESBURG, Va. & STOCKHOLM, Sweden -- Interpeak, a pioneer of Internet and security protocol solutions for embedded systems, today announced that its Internet Key Exchange (IKE) product supports both versions 1 and 2 of IKE. Originally described in the Internet Engineering Task Force's (IETF) RFC 2409, IKE is the key exchange protocol used in IPsec to perform mutual authentication and establish and maintain security associations. Support for both versions of IKE ensures that Interpeak's networking and security solutions are compatible with both existing and new applications.

The IETF describes the new version of IKE in its Internet-Draft of September 23, 2004, "Internet Key Exchange (IKEv2) Protocol." This document replaces RFCs 2407, 2408, and 2409 and will likely be issued as an RFC in Spring 2005. IKEv2 offers a number of performance improvements over the original version, including shorter negotiation times due to a reduction in number of messages and additional integrity verifications. Also, IKEv2 leverages the extensible authentication protocol in order to significantly extend authentication capabilities. While version 2 does not operate with version 1, the two share some key header format requirements, which allow both versions to run over the same ports.

IPsec continues to gain momentum across the embedded industry. Its versatility allows IPsec to help create secure environments in a broad range of settings and applications. Many product developers tout the fact that IPsec's security functions at the network level, thus making it transparent, cost effective, and standardized. As IPsec is mandated with IPv6, new products are increasingly likely to include IPsec and IKE.

"The deployment of IKEv2 will enable the incorporation of IPsec and IKE into countless new products," commented Roger Boden, chief technology officer at Interpeak. "The flexible authentication framework makes the new version particularly useful in key areas, such as telecommunications and mobile computing."

Interpeak's support for IKEv1 and IKEv2 is integrated with Interpeak's IPsec module for its dual-mode IPv4/v6 networking stacks, IPNET and IPLITE. Alternatively, IKE may be secured as part of the stand-alone IPsec product. Like other Interpeak products, IKE runs on all major real-time operating systems (RTOSs), including Linux, INTEGRITY, OSE, VxWorks, Nucleus, and ITRON. For more information about Interpeak's IKE, please visit www.interpeak.com.

About Interpeak

Interpeak provides state-of-the-art networking solutions specifically designed for embedded systems. Interpeak's products include various drop-in solutions for networking applications, such as gateways, network storage, edge routers, mobile phones, home access devices, wireless networks, digital media, and others. The company's embedded networking and security software is currently used in thousands of applications across the globe. Its customers span the telecommunications and data communications markets. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Interpeak operates through a global network of distribution channels and has its own sales and field application force dispersed in strategic locations worldwide, including the USA, Japan, and Europe.

For more information about Interpeak's networking and security products, please visit www.interpeak.com.