Secure Multicast Framework (SMF)

The military is transitioning to a fast reaction mobile strike force with increasing reliance on unmanned, autonomous systems. There remain significant obstacles, however, before broadcast/multicast data can be transmitted securely over wireless channels. Furthermore, issues regarding how information is shared between differently classified networks must also be addressed. Under Phase I, Trident delivered a high-level design of a multicast protocol framework, which allows for heterogeneity of protocols for different applications, yet provides a common API, including much needed security services. This design provides for secure collaboration and adaptive algorithm/key management of multicast information, including SATCOM/wireless communications. Under separate funding, Trident has developed the Collaboration Gateway (CG), which enables users on different classified networks to securely share information across a certified guard. Under the Phase II, we will continue the effort and we will implement a Secure Multicast Framework (SMF) that will provide complete end-to-end secure multicast processing capability. The architecture will be extensible, thus enabling collaboration using audio and video conferencing and shared whiteboard tools to be easily supported. The system will be based on the advanced industry standards including IPSec, GSAKMP, and PKI. Additionally, SMF can be integrated with the Air Force ISSE Guard to provide cross-domain collaboration capability.