The University of Connecticut in Storrs has signed a memorandum of understanding with two companies to develop its patented Secure Ultra-Fast hardware-based optical system, which offers encryption, decryption and authentication in real time, near light speed, for optical network communications. The technology offers a high level of security and eliminates the network slowdown inherent in current software encryption systems. Its partners are Competitive Technologies Inc. of Fairfield, Conn., a licensing agent for Secure Ultra-Fast, and Schott Fiber Optics Inc. of Southbridge, Mass.The agreement allows them to solicit third-party optical equipment/router manufacturers to produce secure and/or nonsecure systems using the encryption technology.