High Performance Secure Shipboard Network For Wireless/Wired Connectivity

The objective of this research is to develop and demonstrate affordable secure, high performance solutions to enable shipboard use of wireless sensors, computers, devices and applications that transmit data and information via RF/IR over wireless/wired LANs. Our approach is based on recent advances in networking technology such as VPNs, active networking and industry standard protocols. Drawing on these commercially available products and standards, Trident will specify, develop and test an innovative secure environment for use in a shipboard setting. This environment will facilitate the use of wireless sensors, computers, devices and applications, and will enable the Navy to make use of commercial wireless LANs and devices. A secure wireless shipboard environment will provide a powerful medium for using wireless sensors, computers, devices and applications. Given a secure environment, the Navy can use the wireless medium to push/pull data and applications to each sailor, regardless of their physical position in the ship. Applications such as log taking & analysis, maintenance related tasks, safety and damage control evolutions, will all be made easier by the free flow of secure data. Sensors, both equipment monitoring and operational, could take advantage of the secure wireless network to provide real-time data on the state of the ship and its systems.