Secure TCP/IP Broadcast/Multicast

The military is transitioning to a fast reaction mobile strike force with increasing reliance on unmanned, autonomous systems, such as the GIG and TCA, which support packet-based communications. There remain significant obstacles, however, before broadcast/multicast data can be transmitted securely over wireless channels. New research into technologies that ensure secure, selective, networked information delivery are key solutions to these mission challenges. Furthermore, issues regarding how information is shared between differently classified networks must also be addressed. Trident has designed a Wireless Reliable Multicast protocol that provides end-to-end, flow-controlled reliable multicast data transfer. As part of this effort, 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. Additionally, Trident has developed the Collaboration Gateway (CG) for AFRL/IFEB. The CG enables users on different classified networks to securely share information across a certified guard. Trident proposes the application of these technologies to the problem space of secure multicast transport. We will design a Secure Multicast Framework (SMF), leveraging current state-of-the-art technologies. Trident will leverage our Multi-Level Secure Collaboration Gateway to enable cross-domain information sharing for C2 applications, such as CCIC2S and SEWS.