Are network bottlenecks or diminished user experience the inevitable cost of security? Not with TIM (Transport Independent Mode) – a next-generation approach to network encryption designed to address the performance and flexibility limitations often experienced with traditional solutions such as IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) and MACsec (Media Access Control Security).
These legacy solutions have long been the standard for securing data moving over the internet or between far-flung sites (IPsec) or inside a local network’s wiring and switching (MACsec), but they were developed in a very different era, and their rigid integration with specific network layers often forces organizations to choose between robust security and optimal performance.
Developed by Senetas, TIM changes this equation entirely by providing security that is both adaptable and high-performing, ideal for the demands of modern, multi-layer networks where agility and throughput are as critical as encryption strength.
What sets TIM apart
TIM is a true “bump in the wire” solution — it drops into existing infrastructure without the need for network redesign, something neither IPsec nor MACsec can do. Unlike those protocols, which are locked to the network layer, TIM is layer-agnostic. It can secure data across Layers 2, 3, or 4, whether traffic flows over the Internet, MPLS, or even satellite. This flexibility means you’re no longer constrained by the original limits of your security architecture; TIM works wherever the data goes and however your network is structured. Policies can also be tailored right down to IP address and port number, offering a level of adaptability far beyond older technologies.
Performance without compromise
Performance remains one of the most compelling advantages of TIM. Where IPsec is reliable it is also notorious for introducing network bottlenecks and adding substantial latency and jitter. MACsec may be fast, but it only secures local segments. TIM delivers remarkable improvements on both.
In independent real-world tests by Miercom, conducted with our global distributor, Thales, the CN6140 and CN4010 TIM-enabled network encryptors consistently delivered up to 21-31% higher throughput and 48% less jitter compared to IPsec.
While an IPsec-enabled firewall allowed only 76-82% of the available link capacity, TIM’s encrypted throughput reached 99.8% of the total available bandwidth, with almost negligible encryption overhead.
These independent results confirm that with TIM, you’re not just making your network more secure – you can unlock measurable performance improvements, too.
Security designed for today – and tomorrow
Another major benefit of Transport Independent Mode (TIM) is its strengthened security architecture. TIM utilises robust, modern cryptographic methods, including NIST-approved key derivation functions or an external key management server such as Thales CipherTrust Manager for secure, centralised key generation and distribution.
By eliminating the need for vulnerable, across-the-wire key exchanges, TIM drastically reduces the risk of eavesdropping and delivers perfect forward and backward secrecy. Designed to be quantum safe, TIM adds a future-proof layer of protection to ensure your data remains secure as new computing threats emerge.
Easier management and adaptability
Managing network encryption with TIM is simpler and more scalable than with IPsec. TIM’s flexible, streamlined key management system means administrators spend less time on routine security maintenance and key renewals. Organisations can easily scale their secure networks to meet growing demands, whether that means more users, new sites or evolving service architectures. TIM’s adaptability covers everything from point-to-point connections to full mesh topologies, making it suitable for nearly every deployment scenario.
The verdict?
In essence, TIM represents a fresh, innovative approach to network security. It’s built for the performance, flexibility and resilience required by today’s digital ecosystem. While IPsec and MACsec can be effective for securing traffic, both often come at the cost of speed, agility and operational simplicity. TIM, by contrast, offers end-to-end encryption that doesn’t compromise on performance or future-proof security, making it a wise choice for organisations seeking not just to protect, but to enhance their network performance.
Read the independent Miercom report to see how our network encryptors outperform IPsec.
