S-FAN: Small Form-factor Automated Networking

S-FAN initiative provides the Navy with data routing, switching, optimization, security, and monitoring in a low-SWaP, single-box package that is compatible with existing aircraft data links and targeted for insertion into Navy aircraft. The goal of the Phase II SBIR effort is to develop S-FAN as a ruggedized single-box appliance that can be tested on the Navy's E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and carrier-based unmanned aircraft like the Carrier Based Aerial Refueling System (CBARS). S-FAN dramatically advances the Navy's Integrated Warfighting Capability (IWC) by overcoming three major limitations commonly found in current tactical networking approaches: • It allows unicast and multicast IP data to flow over a network comprised of different tactical radios without resorting to static routing or manual tunnel configuration. • It runs on MIL-STD hardware that is approved for airborne use. • It automates the process of network design and configuration.