Britestream Networks

Britestream Networks, Inc. was a provider of hardware-based data privacy solutions, specializing in semiconductors for network security applications. Founded in 2000 and based in Austin, Texas, the company initially operated under the name Layer N Networks Inc., focusing on Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) silicon. In October 2004, it rebranded to Britestream Networks to better reflect its focus on streaming security as it brought its products to market.

The firm developed devices to enable high-volume processing of secure online transmissions, addressing the performance penalties associated with software-based SSL processing. A strategic shift saw the company expand from standalone security chips to board-level solutions, such as the BN1010 network interface card, to meet market demands. Britestream jointly developed a line of cryptographic accelerator solutions, nFast and nForce, with nCipher plc. These products were designed to offload all SSL-related tasks onto a dedicated server expansion card, handling up to 10,000 connections per second.

On November 13, 2006, Britestream Networks was acquired by nCipher plc, which purchased its intellectual property, stock, and other assets. The acquisition allowed nCipher to take full ownership of the jointly developed cryptographic product line. Subsequently, nCipher was acquired by Thales UK, a global group in the aerospace, defense, and security markets.

Keywords: data privacy solutions, semiconductors, network security, hardware-based security, SSL acceleration, cryptographic accelerators, Layer N Networks, application specific semiconductors, cybersecurity, data-in-motion encryption, nCipher, Thales UK, network interface card, secure online transmissions, high-volume processing