Forwardly Oriented, Resilient Transport for Intelligent Network Access (FORTINA)

Over the past two decades, academic research has significantly advanced wide area network optimization and software-defined networking (SDN), leading to the emergence of Carrier Neutral Facilities (CNF) as a promising commercial opportunity. Optimized SDNs, as suggested by academic literature, promise substantial improvements in traffic management, security, and affordability. Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into SDNs, particularly within CNFs, represents the cutting edge of modern wide area network research. While existing literature has primarily focused on enhancing network throughput, there's a compelling argument for leveraging AI algorithms within SDNs to intelligently route packets for military-specific objectives, such as obfuscating communications to protect against adversaries and enhancing resilience to attacks. However, the adoption of AI in SDNs has been hindered by the need for processing speeds matching fiber optic transmission rates. Recent advancements in Neural Circuit Policies and Liquid Time Constants have led to the development of Liquid Neural Networks (LNNs), capable of achieving explainable performance at fiber optic transmission speeds. This proposal aims to extend LNN research into software-defined military wide area network communication, envisioning LNNs as a key enabler for the OUSD (R&E) Trusted AI & Autonomy Critical Technology Area. The proposed research, named FORTINA, relies on two key enabling technologies: Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) and Carrier-neutral facilities (CNF). CSfC provides NSA Type-I encryption devices, ensuring secure handling, storage, and communication of sensitive data, while CNFs offer redundancy, scalability, and access to multiple carriers, making them ideal hosts for secure military networks. The integration of these technologies with military-grade network management aims to create a commercially available means of communicating classified information. This entails developing bespoke wide area architectures and protocols for edge server communication. Successful implementation would demonstrate the feasibility of an NSA Type-I approved network using entirely Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) hardware and fiber, dynamically routing messages worldwide via ever-changing paths. FORTINA not only enhances communication security but also significantly reduces costs by leveraging CNFs and competing among various commercial offers for connections. This innovative architecture merges state-of-the-art AI research with leading-edge commercial technology, promising a more secure and cost-effective solution compared to government-owned and operated classified fiber optic networks.