Adaptive Cyber-secure Cross-layer Communications-Classification System (AC4S): Cyber Superiority for Air Force Combatant Commanders Using Cyber-domain

ABSTRACT: In this effort selected SBIR technologies will be matured and merged to establish the Adaptive Cyber-secure Cross-layer Communications-Classification System (AC4S) for enhancing the throughput, spectral efficiency, speed, reliability and security performance of software defined radio (SDR) communication networks. One of the core technologies in the AC4S architecture is the Cyber Superiority for Air Force Combatant Commanders Using Cyber-domain Spectrum Exploitation (CyberSE) component which is designed to harden the network and prevent malicious infiltrators from disrupting or exploiting the network. CyberSE is an advanced cyberspace capabilities that can integrate global and theatre resources in support of the combatant commander in order to provide operators with robust situational awareness, control of the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum, and maneuverability in cyberspace in the presence of these malicious attackers. CyberSE is one of the building blocks for the AC4S development that will be realized as an integrated package operating on an embedded cross-layer routing framework using cognitive spectrum allocation and cyber-domain spectrum exploitation technologies developed under the SBIR program. This effort will allow the Air Force to further its technology base, by focusing on meeting 6.3 objectives for Air Force acquisitions and programs of record in concert with achieving resilient C2 in an anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) environment requiring centralized command, distributed control and decentralized execution.; BENEFIT: The product of this SBIR project will help the Air Force and the DoD usher in the next-generation of cognitive radio and sensor technologies that will improve state-of-the-art performance under extreme conditions by a ten-fold factor or more. Adaptive Cyber-secure Cross-layer Communications-Classification System (AC4S) technologies based on the AMC' environment will benefit the following: (i) Multi-domain Adaptable Processing (MAP) System; (ii) Link-16 Modernization; (iii) Fourth-to-Fifth-Generation Fighter/Bomber; (iv) Joint Aerial Layer Networks (JALN); (v) Aerial Layer Networks (ALNet); and (vi) Gateway modernization acquisitions. The overall benefits will include improved signal discrimination, advanced spectrum sensing, cyber-protected communication, and interference/congestion avoidance, all assembled as an integrated package that operates on an embedded cross-layer framework designed for military radio platforms. Its utility can be extended for commercial applications that run the gamut from autonomous vehicles to the Internet of Things (IOT).