MACsec Key Update for Network Retimer Devices
Summary
USPTO published patent application US20260100830A1 titled 'Automatic In-Band MACsec Key Update for Retimer Device' on April 9, 2026. The application, filed December 12, 2025 (Application No. 19417778), discloses a system for updating MACsec encryption keys in physical layer retimer devices via in-band Ethernet packet transmission, with automatic acknowledgement generation. Inventors: Sundararajan Chidambara, Ramakrishna Reddy Jakka, Sathish Reddy Yenna.
What changed
USPTO published a patent application disclosing a system for automatic in-band MACsec encryption key updates for physical layer retimer devices. The invention enables host systems to send encryption key updates as Ethernet packets via secure egress channels, which are identified and extracted by retimer devices, with automatic acknowledgement packet generation upon successful key updates.
For network equipment manufacturers and telecommunications firms utilizing retimer devices with MACsec encryption, this patent application signals emerging technology for automated key management in Ethernet links. Entities developing or deploying MACsec-enabled network infrastructure should monitor the patent prosecution for potential licensing implications upon grant.
What to do next
- Monitor for patent grant status
- Review licensing requirements if implementing MACsec key update in retimer devices
Archived snapshot
Apr 11, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
AUTOMATIC IN-BAND MEDIA ACCESS CONTROL SECURITY (MACsec) KEY UPDATE FOR RETIMER DEVICE
Application US20260100830A1 Kind: A1 Apr 09, 2026
Inventors
Sundararajan Chidambara, Ramakrishna Reddy Jakka, Sathish Reddy Yenna
Abstract
A system for automatic in-band MACsec encryption key updates includes a physical layer retimer device attachable to a host system, the host system connected to a peer device via a secure Ethernet link incorporating egress and ingress channels for encrypted data traffic. The host system generates encryption key updates for each secure egress or ingress channel, sending the key updates in-band as Ethernet packets via the secure egress channels. Key updates are identified and extracted from egress data traffic by the retimer device, which identifies the specific encryption key (e.g., corresponding to a specific egress channel or ingress channel) for which each key update is intended. Security blocks of the retimer device update the appropriate encryption key corresponding to each key update. The retimer device generates an acknowledgement packet for each successful key update, sending the acknowledgement packet back to the host device to confirm the key update.
CPC Classifications
H04L 9/0891 H04L 9/088 H04L 63/0245 H04L 63/162 H04L 63/18
Filing Date
2025-12-12
Application No.
19417778
Named provisions
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