IPv4 to IPv6 Transition Appliance (IPTA) for Improved Security and Survivability

In this SBIR, ISAC, Inc. proposes to develop an innovative IPv4 to IPv6 Transition Appliance (IPTA) that allows IPv4 systems (including legacy systems) to transparently utilize the security features of the IPv6 core network infrastructure (including encryption and authentication). The IPTA will help facilitate the mandated DoD migration to IPv6 by reducing the complexity, cost, and time associated with IPv6 transition. The IPTA will be a plug-and-play appliance requiring no modification to legacy IPv4 systems. It will require minimal, if any, administrator training, setup, configuration, and maintenance. At the same time the IPTA will provide IPv4 systems access to IPv6 features such as Quality of Service (QoS), encryption, and authentication (IPSec). The IPTA will further provide IPv4 systems with increased security by providing an administrator with optional firewall and whitelist/blacklist capabilities. The IPTA will be designed to resist cyber attacks directed against it and the network. In Phase I, ISAC will perform an IPTA placement study and legacy system compatibility and mobility requirements analysis. At the end of Phase I ISAC present a proof-of-principle prototype demonstration.