Gateway Phase II

The Air Force today is rapidly committing to high speed communications internetworking all the way from Headquarters to front line fighters. This requires beyond-line-of-sight communications extensions for existing theater networks as well as in-theater internetworking. Gateways must be provided to transfer data from one network system to another. In this way data can be shared around the globe, augmenting real-time in-theater tactical information. Robust like JTIDS can transfer data where jamming or interference limit other links, while satellite links can provide the beyond-line-of-sight communications. Platforms with very little communications capability can still benefit by interacting via simpler links such as Improved Data Modem with more capable platforms providing the vital relay functions between networks. Technology has progressed to the point where the networks that the AF is currently fielding can be synergistically combined at a reasonable cost and risk to provide these capabilities. This SBIR proposes to provide network interoperability not only at the waveform level, but also to develop the gateways that will allow differing message formats, data rates, and control protocols in interact seamlessly. A demonstration of these concepts will be provided.