Encrypted and authenticated data frame

At a source network device, data is compiled into a plurality of data blocks for transmission in a data frame over a network to a destination network device. The plurality of data blocks are arranged into a plurality of data block groups such that each data block group comprises a predetermined number of data blocks. Encryption information is generated for each of the plurality of data blocks groups. The encryption information identifies an encryption key for each of the plurality of data block groups. Overhead data configured to allow the destination network device to align and decode the data frame is generated. The data frame is transmitted from the source network device to the destination network device such that the encryption information for each of the plurality of data block groups is transmitted consecutively with a respective data block group, and a portion of the overhead data is transmitted prior to each consecutive transmission of encryption information with a data block group.