SAND-E: Sensor Acoustic Networking for Data Exfiltration

SSCI and BAE Fast Labs present SAND-E (Sensor Acoustic Networking for Data Exfiltration), a solution for networked data exfiltration via undersea communications. At the core of SAND-E is a link-state routing protocol, which utilizes the link-state health messages and acoustic tomography to continuously update network routes based on the Sound Speed Profile (SSP) throughout the network, continuously optimizing network routing while the network is online. Predictive Spatial Models will further enhance network throughput by using online probabilistic models to predict the occurrence of high-priority messages, and match network path latency with data priority. Combinatorial Optimization will bolster the SAND-E system to ensure that the highest-priority routes have sufficient assigned sensors to ensure low-latency message routing. Additionally, the optimization will consider mobile assets capable of operating as comms relays and data ferries to enhance the network in areas of comms sparsity. The SAND-E system is sensor-agnostic, utilizing the NavyÆs UMAA protocol to interact with sensors and communications equipment. The feasibility studies of the Phase 1 program will be completed using SSCIÆs existing undersea test and evaluation software, which will be updated to be UMAA compliant to enable Software and Hardware in-the-loop testing. Future hardware integration and prototype efforts will be done in conjunction with BAE Fast Labs using their large production facility located with 40mi of SSCIÆs headquarters, and BAE will also provide insight, expertise, and advising for transition throughout all phases of the SAND-E program.