How many rounds does the RC2 algorithm perform during encryption?

The RC2 algorithm performs 18 rounds during encryption. This is a notable feature of RC2, which was designed as a block cipher to provide a good balance between security and performance. The number of rounds in a cipher is critical because it determines the complexity of the encryption process, making it harder for potential attackers to decrypt the information without the key. In the case of RC2, having 18 rounds allows for sufficient diffusion and confusion, which are essential properties in cryptographic designs to thwart various attacks.

The specific choice of 18 rounds reflects the design goals of RC2, taking into account the capabilities of hardware and the anticipated security needs at the time it was developed. It is important to note that, while modern cryptographic standards may employ different round counts or completely different algorithms, understanding the structure and design principles behind RC2 offers valuable insight into the evolution of block ciphers in the field of cryptography.