US Patent 7814329 MACSec implementation

A method and apparatus for performing MAC security (MACSec) operations. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of discrete elements coupled together to perform MAC security processing, the plurality of discrete elements able to operate on distinct packets related to MAC security simultaneously, and wherein each of the plurality of discrete elements is in an independently controlled power domain that enters a reduced power consumption state independently of other discrete elements in the plurality of discrete elements when not in use.