Space Network Enabled Edge-Computer and Router (SNEECR)

Cambrian Works (CAMBRIAN) addresses a Space Development Agency (SDA) need for Networking as identified in Theme 4 of the SDA24-P001 Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Advanced Capability Development SBIR Open Topic. This is accomplished through the demonstration and delivery of high-speed packet routers for space.  We call the routers being developed under this effort the GigRouter-60 (GR-60) because of its ability to manage at least 6 ports each running at a 10-Gigabit per second (Gbps) rate using standard Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) protocols.  Specifically, this 6x 10-GigE port capability is instantiated in the GR-60 model of our wider GigRouter family, where the GR-60 capability is appropriate for managing packet flow in a space node operating within a NEBULA compliant space network and optical communication terminals capable of supporting 10-GigE interfaces.  In addition, since the routing algorithms used by the GR-60 are implemented using a Software Defined Network (SDN) operating on a high-end processor, the GR-60 also satisfies many of the requirements and capability needs addressed in the solicitation’s Theme 5: In-Space Processing for data fusion, local decision making, AI/ML algorithms, and memory storage.  The GigRouter family of products is terminal agnostic and able to support both optical and RF terminals, and it provides additional 1-GigE and serial interfaces to support other payload or spacecraft interfaces. The modular, rapid iteration approach used in this development leverages the GigRouter internal modular architecture, standard commercial high-speed bus interfaces, and an existing commercial product as a starting baseline to allow rapid delivery of hardware.  This also allows CAMBRIAN to focus on the more challenging issues associated with high-speed packet routing and networking – the firmware, software, terminal interfaces, network management, and network data or protocol conversions, i.e., the software development iterations that otherwise slows end-product development.  CAMBRIAN uses a validated and tested, industrial grade AI/ML commercial processor that also provides tremendous processing capability and memory for in-space processing, without interfering with the routing functions.  This solution provides SDA with a high-speed packet router that is standards-based, avoids vendor-lock, and can be upgraded rapidly with software updates even when operational in space.  These features ensure that the capability can continue to improve with each generation and continue to support future application and protocol developments.