# OpenSSL integration with eXtremeDB Cluster

> To facilitate secure communications, authorization and authentication, eXtremeDB Cluster Transport Layer security is implemented using Secure Sockets Layer (`TLS/SSL`). `OpenSSL` was chosen as one of the most widespread and well-recognized `TLS` protocol implementations.

> In order to use `OpenSSL` networking in an application, the user system is required to have a local `OpenSSL` installation. The `OpenSSL` headers and the libraries must be available to the compiler.

> Please refer to the Network Communications page for details on implementing OpenSSL security.