High Assurance Connectivity Technologies for the Joint Tactical Radio System

The DOD requires secure mobile ad-hoc networking (MANET) protocol stacks to satisfy operational requirements for the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) family of SDR radios and networks, based on Software Communications Architecture (SCA). JTRS reference waveforms are being developed which allow internetworking of multiple, incompatible radio devices and networks. The JTRS reference waveforms such as WNW and SRW employ MANET and mesh techniques in their networking stacks. This research examines security architecture issues pertaining to the "Exposed Black Side" issue identified in JTRS CP295, the design of a scalable reference platform, and a security architecture which addresses SCA 2.2.2 requirements for Increment 2 and any new procurements. The research also examines the use of re-usable, modular, secure networking waveform components for dynamic spectrum access (DYSPAN) for ground-ground and air-ground use cases. This work is based on progress made in AF05-108 Phase II and AF03-108 Phase II which successfully validated JTRS CP295 and demonstrated a High Assurance Wireless Computing System (HAWCS)(tm) architecture capable of addressing the network threat to wireless platforms. We are teamed with Spectrum Signal Processing, General Dynamics C4 Systems, Boeing Anaheim and Virginia Tech to design and prototype a SCA 2.2.2 compliant, Type I certifiable reference platform using (HAWCS)(tm).