Data Protection and Encryption Methods for Shared Memory Networks

Replicated Shared-Memory Network (SMN) and fiber-optic (FO) communications technology has been used for several years as the means to configure multiple computational nodes into real-time simulation systems. In most cases these simulations were within a single facility, with node-to-node distances constrained 300 meters. The use of high-power laser diodes and/or higher-power laser transmitters and receivers to extend node-to-node distance by one or two orders of magnitude (to over 30,000 meters) and the use of satellite communications to extend these distances to geographically significant distances are a natural extension of replicated shared-memory networks. SYSTRAN's SCRAMNet (Shared Common RAM Network) product currently includes "Long-Link" laser diode boosters for internode distances approaching 3,500 meters. The Avionics Wind Tunnel (AWT), an ongoing plan to connect several Wright-Patterson AFB facilities within the Flight Dynamics and Avionics Directorates, and potentially other Area B facilities, requires additional capability in order to share U.S. Government classified data in a manner approved by the National Security Agency (NSA). SYSTRAN is aware of several techniques and products that can either: (i) protect this original data while it is being transmitted (without using time consuming and data generating encryption/decryption methods), or (ii) encrypt and decrypt the data. Both techniques offer advantages and limitations for AWT real-time requirements. This SBIR program will evaluate alternative methods to protect and/or to encrypt/decrypt shared memory network communications traffic using NSA-approved algorithms/devices.