Mobile Network Resiliency Research and Development

There is a requirement to reduce the vulnerability of commercial voice and data networks. These vulnerabilities include cyber-attacks such as SS7, or that which would occur after an EMP event. The cellular network is also vulnerable to external monitoring and tracking. This effort will design, develop, and implement a resilient 4G LTE / First Net cellular capability. To accomplish this, the effort will address security design parameters (detection/alert against SS7, SMS attacks, IMSI catchers, and similar situations. This effort also demonstrates a 4G LTE capability to operate without commercial cellular network or power. As part of that effort, the system will be demonstrated that the system can provide full voice, text, and conferencing over an SBU bridge.The cyber phone effort addresses near-term events (one week). A technology road map that addresses the survivability and sustainability of the communication network will be developed. The key issues are power (and then fuel, provided by a system that can operate autonomously for one year or longer. Issues addressed will include the type of power generation, fuel, and source of fuel, and maintenance.Long-range secure laser communications for high data rates (10 GB: +/sec) will be explored.