Requested revision
| Standard: | IEEE Std 802.1AE | Clause: | 3. |
| Clause title: | Definitions | ||
Rationale for revision
The definition of "Packet Number (PN): A monotonically increasing
value that is guaranteed unique for each MACsec frame transmitted
using a given Secure Association Key (SAK)."
contradicts Annex R of IEEE Std 802.1Q. If the two SecYs for the e-
and p-MAC (from Annex R or IEEE Std 802.1Q) share the same SAK - per
the NOTE in clause 10.7.13 of IEEE Std 802.1AE,
they would according to the above PN definition, have to use the same
PN sequence as well.
Proposed text
Change the definition of "Packet Number (PN):
A monotonically increasing value that, combined with the SCI, is
guaranteed to produce a unique IV for each MACsec frame transmitted
using a given SAK."
Impact on existing networks
It is unlikely implementers followed the contradiction.
Originator
| Name: | Max Turner | Email: | max.turner@ethernovia.com |
| Affiliation: | Ethernovia | ||
| Submitted: | 2026-07-14 | ||