Written by / Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
MIT 2010 Volume: 14 Issue: 11 (December)
Multi-Role Tactical Common Data
Link Successfully Demonstrated
Valiant Shield 2010, a U.S. Pacific Command integrated joint military exercise conducted this fall, has successfully demonstrating capabilities of the Multi-Role Tactical Common Data Link (MR-TCDL) system to provide real-time networking connectivity and exchange data at extremely fast rates via ground, airborne and satellite networks. During a series of 11 flights, MR-TCDL used both line-of-sight and Wideband Global Satellite data links to transmit real-time data to Valiant Shield operations center personnel participants at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and Anderson Air Force Base, Guam. The MR-TCDL system is built by L-3 Communications Systems- West. For the exercise, Northrop Grumman integrated MR-TCDL onto a Gulfstream II aircraft and a Department of Defense Gateway Teleport at Wahiawa, Hawaii, creating a terrestrial network to connect the Gateway Teleport, Hickam AFB and Anderson AFB. The tests demonstrated the system’s ability to reliably transmit data at rates greater than 200 megabits per second between the aircraft and ground sites, dynamically switching data paths between line-of-sight and WGS as necessary to maintain near constant connectivity. MR-TCDL also enabled high-definition video teleconferencing between aircraft and ground sites, transfer of instant messages, streaming video, voice over IP connectivity and file transfers between sites.
DISA Extends DISN Video
Services-Global Contract
The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) has awarded AT&T a $218.7 million contract to continue providing video service and video teleconferencing services under the DISN Video Services-Global (DVS-G) to November 30, 2012, for the base period with three one-year option periods. This contract will provide interoperable global unclassified and classified video services and a fullservice VTC utility for all DISN users. The VTC service is a real-time, near-full motion video service that allows simultaneous video and audio communications between two or more dedicated or dial-up VTC sites worldwide. DVS-G provides critical support to a variety of overseas contingency operations missions. In an earlier notice indicating its intention to award a new sole-source contract to AT&T, DISA had noted that AT&T has the unique capability to provide secure video service and VTC due to their ownership of the existing video equipment within the five main hubs. In addition, AT&T owns all proprietary software for the existing service, DISA said, and is the only vendor with the existing capacity to incorporate dial-up and dedicated video teleconferencing facilities, while providing classified support at the level of security required in the time frame available.
Trusted Gateway System Clears
Security Certification Process
A Raytheon Co. system has been authorized to operate at the top secret/SCI and below interoperability (TSABI) level. Known as the SecureOffice Trusted Gateway System, it supports organizations whose missions require rapid, multidirectional transfer of any data type between numerous security levels. The Distributed Common Ground System- Army (DCGS-A) worked with Raytheon to bring its system through the TSABI certification and accreditation process, which will allow the military to take advantage of the newest innovations in transfer solutions and realize significant cost savings. DCGS-A is the premier platform program for enterprise enablement of ISR information technology assets. It is the Army’s ground portion of a joint intelligence, networkcentric enterprise that unifies collection, processing, analysis, extraction, query and visualization of ISR capabilities for the tactical environment.
Optical Networking Platform,
Encryptor Meet Performance Standards
Fujitsu has announced the successful completion of interoperability testing with SafeNet, in which exercises simulating traffic patterns typical of government network architectures repeatedly demonstrated that the combined Flashwave 9500 Packet Optical Networking Platform (Packet ONP) and SafeNet Ethernet Encryptor 10G solution has met or exceeded the U.S. government’s criteria for performance and security. Already on the Unified Capabilities Approved Products List, the Fujitsu Flashwave 9500 Packet ONP is a new class of optical transport solution, simultaneously supporting Connection-oriented Ethernet (COE), ROADM and SONET/SDH. The platform scales to multi-terabytes of traffic per node to support everincreasing voice, video and data traffic demands. The integrated COE transport technology delivers private-line quality packet aggregation and connectivity services with the proven operational robustness of optical networking, including transport- class software and database management, management interface functionality, and precision fault sectionalization. Using a 1xSmartBits traffic generator to replicate the voice, video and data traffic typically found on government networks, Fujitsu and SafeNet engineers tested the Flashwave 9500 Packet ONP using 1GbE and 10GbE links. The Fujitsu platform repeatedly delivered the lowlatency, low-jitter, private-line performance that government applications demand.
NETCENTS-2 Opens With
Enterprise Integration Contracts
Network Centric Solutions-2 (NETCENTS-2), the $24 billion follow-on to the Air Force contract vehicle used to acquire a wide range of commercially available IT products, services and solutions, has awarded its first set of contracts. The NETCENTS-2 office awarded its first Enterprise Integration and Service Management (EISM) contracts in late November. The multiple indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracts went to: Booz, Allen and Hamilton; CACI Enterprise Solutions; Deloitte Consulting; Dynamics Research Corp.; SAIC; and TechTeam Government Solutions. The EISM contract provides the Air Force with a new capability for enterprise-level information technology management using non-personal advisory and assistance services contracts. Because EISM provides strategic level consulting, it will help the Air Force and its major commands, direct reporting units and center-level organizations manage and plan for IT and net-centric changes within their domains. These services will enable enterprise integration and service management support for both infrastructure and mission capabilities. The EISM contract is not intended for unit-level, program management or non-Air Force support. EISM is one of seven NETCENTS-2 contracts with a combined ceiling of $24.2 billion.
Marines Accelerate Transition to
Wideband Networked Communications
As part of its accelerating transition to highspeed, wideband networked tactical communications, the Marine Corps has awarded Harris Corp. orders totaling $21 million for additional Falcon III AN/PRC-117G multiband manpack radios, vehicular amplifier adapters and other accessories. The AN/PRC-117G radio provides warfighters with unprecedented situational awareness of the battlefield by enabling applications such as streaming video, simultaneous voice and data feeds, collaborative chat, and connectivity to secure networks. The wideband networking capabilities of the AN/PRC-117G give warfighters critical real-time information through a manportable radio that is smaller, lighter and more capable than legacy units. The AN/PRC-117G is the first Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Software Communications Architecture-certified and NSA Type-1 certified wideband manpack radio system. The AN/PRC-117G is also upgradeable via new Harris Mission Modules, which provide additional functionality such as a second wideband channel. The Mission Modules attach to the AN/PRC-117G through an open, standardized and interchangeable architecture. This allows users to take only the capabilities they need into the field, while optimizing size, weight and power capabilities. The AN/PRC-117G manpack radio was developed following the JTRS program’s Enterprise Business Model, which encourages companies to develop next-generation solutions in tactical communications using their own investment capital.
Smartphone Operating System
Gains Security Certification
Research In Motion (RIM) has announced that BlackBerry 6, a powerful new operating system for BlackBerry smartphones, is now FIPS 140-2 certified. This FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standard) certification provides confidence to organizations dealing with sensitive information that data stored on smartphones running BlackBerry 6 can be properly secured and encrypted. BlackBerry 6, which debuted on the BlackBerry Torch smartphone earlier this year, retains the trusted features of the BlackBerry brand while delivering a rich experience that is powerful and easy to use. It has a redesigned interface, includes expanded messaging capabilities, enhanced multimedia support and a new and rich WebKit-based browser that delivers fast Internet browsing. In addition to the BlackBerry Torch, BlackBerry 6 ships on the new BlackBerry Bold 9780 and BlackBerry Style smartphones. BlackBerry 6 can also run on the BlackBerry Bold 9650, BlackBerry Bold 9700, BlackBerry Curve 3G and BlackBerry Pearl 3G smartphones (subject to carrier certifications). FIPS is a government computer security standard for certifying cryptographic modules. The standard was developed through the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP), which certifies products for use by U.S. government agencies and regulated industries that collect, store, transfer, share and disseminate sensitive information. Product certifications under the CMVP are performed in accordance with the requirements of FIPS 140-2. ♦
