Topology Aware Secure Multicast in Airborne Networks (TASMAN)

ABSTRACT: Mayflower Communication Company, Inc. (Mayflower) proposes a novel multifaceted solution, TASMAN, to meet the Air Force objective, namely, to develop a concept for secure, dynamic, and efficient multicast services (voice, video, and data) over heterogeneous black airborne networks. In order to provide a complete solution for secure multicast in black MANET, Mayflower has teamed with XPRT Solutions (XPRT) for their expertise in networked communications over HAIPE. The TASMAN secure black core multicast technology proposed by the Mayflower-XPRT team provides efficient and robust black core routing despite high speed mobility of the network nodes. Also, it utilizes an innovative approach to bridge HAIPE in order to extend secure multicast to the red enclaves. The TASMAN solution, when proven feasible in the Phase I study for the Air Force application, has enormous potential for military and commercial applications. Mayflower will develop a prototype TASMAN secure multicast software in Phase I and II, and ensure its commercialization in Phase III and beyond. BENEFIT: The topology-aware secure multicast technology, TASMAN, is a compelling technology for military applications: it would provide secure, robust and efficient distribution of critical C2 and ISR information across the USAF Airborne Network. Also, TASMAN is attractive in tactical networks such as the JTRS SRW networks. In this case, TASMAN would be integrated in the protocol stacks of either the handheld or the waveform, providing access to either side of the encryption boundary. TASMAN is also an attractive technology for civilian applications that require efficient, robust, low-latency information distribution in heterogeneous network settings that includes IPsec and mobile wireless nodes. For instance, TASMAN could be an effective technology for first responders to gather and track information on large-scale disasters, and thereby enable accurate assessment and response to such events.