Unknown Wireless Network Discovery

The evolution of RF communications from legacy radios to newer software defined radios that utilize dynamic spectrum access and cognitive radio technologies presents an emerging problem to current electronic warfare systems. These technologies will be employed by ourselves and also by our adversaries. Rogue networks may try to mask their presence by exploiting software defined radios to mimic a variety of different signals and networks. Selfish rogue networks may also seek to manipulate other radio networks into surrendering spectral resources by masquerading as primary users of the spectrum. Malevolent rogue networks could even try to disrupt the operation of other networks using active attacks crafted to take advantage of the competing networks set of policies. Azure Summit proposes to counter this threat using Sensor Network Awareness of Rogue Emitters (SNARE). In this Phase I effort, we will show how a sensor network can identify traffic originating from a rogue network, show that we can monitor this traffic and infer the topology of the network, and demonstrate how active probing can be used to infer the policies of the network. BENEFIT: Azure will work with transition partners to identify commercialization opportunities for the technology developed under this program. We note that the capabilities offered by SNARE would be a useful addition to two new programs, the AFRL Cognitive Jammer, and the DARPA BLADE program. Another application for SNARE would be to provide ES for counter IED systems such as CREW.