Campus Dark Fiber Interconnects
MACsec deployed on uplink interfaces of switches at each end of the fiber segment. All traffic on the link is encrypted while VLANs, routing protocols, and LACP continue operating normally.
Network Security
You own the fiber. That does not mean your traffic is secure.
Enterprise organizations invest significantly in private connectivity infrastructure. Dark fiber between campus buildings, leased wavelengths connecting data centers, and dedicated carrier links for branch connectivity are often treated as inherently secure because they are physically controlled.
Physical control is not cryptographic assurance. MACsec provides that assurance at line rate on hardware platforms that support it, without performance impact, without protocol changes, and without disruption to existing network operations.
Line-rate encryption for private connectivity infrastructure without performance impact.
WAN Link Encryption
Cryptographic assurance for private connectivity infrastructure
The threat model for private links differs from internet-facing connectivity but carries equal risk. Physical access to fiber infrastructure is more available than network teams typically assume.
The Specific Risks on Private Connectivity Infrastructure
Physical access to fiber infrastructure creates security exposure that organizations often underestimate.
Facilities personnel, contractors, and building management staff all have access to fiber infrastructure
Passive optical taps on single-mode fiber require only physical access — no sophisticated equipment
Carrier technicians have legitimate access to the equipment handling your leased wavelength
Regulatory auditors increasingly ask specifically whether internal links carrying regulated data are encrypted
A data center breach can be used to capture traffic from the interconnect if the link is unencrypted
Deployment Models by Infrastructure Type
MACsec deployment varies by infrastructure type and link speed. The approach is consistent; the implementation specifics differ.
Data Center Interconnects
Higher bandwidth links (40G/100G/400G) with hardware acceleration. MACsec provides defense in depth for environments already running IPsec at Layer 3.
Carrier Ethernet Access Links
MACsec deployed at the customer premises equipment handoff point protects the access segment between CPE and carrier access device.
How It Works
Four-step deployment process for MACsec on private connectivity infrastructure.
1
Confirm hardware support
Validate that the specific hardware generations at both ends of the target links support MACsec at the required interface speeds.
2
Select key management model
Pre-shared keys for simple point-to-point deployments. MKA for dynamic key establishment and automatic rotation at scale.
3
Plan monitoring adjustments
Identify any passive network monitoring taps on the target links and plan their relocation to device SPAN or monitoring ports.
4
Deploy and validate
Enable MACsec on the link interfaces, confirm session establishment, and verify that existing network protocols are functioning correctly.
Outcomes
- Line-rate encryption without performance impact
- Cryptographic assurance for private connectivity
- Compliance with data-in-transit requirements
- Defense in depth for high-sensitivity links
When This Applies
- Organizations running dark fiber between campus buildings
- Enterprises with leased wavelengths between data centers
- Environments subject to compliance requirements for data in transit on internal links
- Security teams conducting infrastructure security reviews who have identified unencrypted high-speed internal links
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Why IVI
Hardware-accelerated encryption expertise
Platform-specific implementation
Deep knowledge of MACsec support across hardware generations and firmware versions.
Hardware Validation
We validate MACsec capabilities before deployment to ensure line-rate performance at your required speeds.
Operational continuity
MACsec deployment without disruption to existing network protocols and monitoring.
Zero Downtime
Deployment methodology that maintains network operations while adding encryption layer.
Related Resources
Related Resources
Review related solution pages, supporting materials, and additional resources that help explain where this solution fits and how it can be applied.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about MACsec deployment for private connectivity infrastructure.
Does MACsec work with existing carrier ethernet services?
Yes. MACsec can be deployed at the customer equipment handoff point, protecting the access segment regardless of the carrier's infrastructure. The carrier does not need to support or be aware of MACsec operating at the customer premises equipment layer.
What is the rekey process and does it interrupt traffic?
MKA performs automatic key rotation on a configurable interval. The rekey is hitless: traffic continues flowing during the key rotation without interruption. Pre-shared key deployments require manual rekeying, which is a maintenance consideration at scale.
We already run IPsec on these links. Does MACsec add value?
Yes, as defense in depth. IPsec protects the IP layer. MACsec protects the physical link. An attacker who somehow decrypts or bypasses the IPsec tunnel still faces MACsec encryption at the link layer. For high-sensitivity links, both layers are justified.
What hardware platforms support MACsec at high speeds?
MACsec support varies by platform generation and firmware version. We validate specific hardware capabilities before deployment to ensure line-rate performance at your required interface speeds, particularly for 40G/100G/400G links common in data center environments.
How does MACsec affect network monitoring and troubleshooting?
Passive optical taps must be relocated to device SPAN ports or monitoring interfaces before MACsec activation. This maintains visibility while protecting the encrypted link traffic. Network protocols like LACP and routing continue operating normally over the encrypted link.
Can MACsec be deployed on existing fiber infrastructure without downtime?
Yes, with proper planning. The deployment methodology maintains network operations while adding the encryption layer. Key considerations include hardware validation, monitoring tap relocation, and staged activation to ensure operational continuity.