Hardwaregestützte

Hardwaregestützte (hardware-assisted) refers to computing approaches that rely on specialized hardware features to perform tasks more efficiently, securely, or reliably than software running solely on a general-purpose CPU. The term is common in German-language technical literature and contrasts with purely software-based implementations. Hardware support can be integrated into CPUs, GPUs, cryptographic accelerators, or dedicated ASICs and may require software to explicitly utilize these capabilities.

Typical forms include cryptographic acceleration (for example AES-NI, SHA-NI), virtualization support (Intel VT-x, AMD-V), and security features such as secure enclaves (Intel SGX, ARM TrustZone) and hardware random number generators. In graphics and media, GPUs provide hardware-assisted encoding/decoding and rendering. In machine learning, accelerators like GPUs, TPUs, or NPUs handle inference and training more efficiently. Networking and storage devices also employ offload engines for encryption, compression, or protocol processing.

Benefits of hardwaregestützt approaches include higher performance, lower energy consumption, reduced CPU load, and stronger isolation in secure environments. Drawbacks include dependence on specific hardware, potential portability issues, vendor lock-in, and the need for compatible firmware and drivers.

The concept is central to modern computing, enabling scalable performance and security across devices—from consumer hardware to data centers and mobile devices. Related terms are hardware acceleration, cryptographic acceleration, secure enclaves, and hardware-assisted virtualization.