The 128-bit block cipher Camellia

We present the new 128-bit block cipher called Camellia. Camellia supports 128-bit block size and 128-, 192- and 256-bit key lengths, i.e. the same interface specifications as the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). Camellia was carefully designed to withstand all known cryptanalytic attacks and even to have a sufficiently large security leeway. It was also designed to suit both software and hardware implementations and to cover all possible encryption applications that range from low-cost smart cards to high-speed network systems. Compared to the AES finalists, Camellia offers at least comparable encryption speed in software and hardware. An optimized implementation of Camellia in assembly language can encrypt on a Pentium III (1.13 GHz) at the rate of 471 Mbits per second. In addition, a distinguishing feature is its small hardware design. A hardware implementation, which includes encryption, decryption, and the key schedule for 128-bit keys, occupies only 9.66 K gates using a 0.35 mum CMOS ASIC library. This is in the smallest class among all existing 128-bit block ciphers. It perfectly meets the current market requirements in wireless cards, for instance, where low power consumption is essential.