Autonomic Logistics Tactical Logistics Data Communcation Network Navy SBIR FY2008.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.2 Topic No.: N08-103 Topic Title: Autonomic Logistics Tactical Logistics Data Communcation Network Proposal No.: N082-103-1155 Firm: Fortress Technologies 4023 Tampa Rd. Oldsmar, Florida 34677 Contact: Magued Barsoum Phone: (978) 692-2578 Web Site: www.fortresstech.com Abstract: Fortress utilizes its MacroMeshT technology to create highly dynamic and robust networks with self-forming, self-healing, path-optimizing capabilities that can support thousands of wireless mesh nodes in a highly mobile network. To accomplish this, MacroMesh incorporates both proactive and reactive routing algorithms into a layer 2 meshing protocol that requires less than 5% of the bandwidth for control traffic regardless of the network size. Furthermore, Fortress has implemented FIPS certified Layer 2 AES encryption to protect both the data in transit and the network itself, complying with the various government wireless and security policies. Fortress has implemented these technologies into both wireless infrastructures, such as the ES520. The Fortress ES520 enables organizations to rapidly establish a high-performance wireless mesh network by combining the functions of an access point, switch, wireless bridge and security gateway in a form factor engineered specifically for harsh outdoor environments. The ES520 weighs less than 5 lbs and uses less than 12 watts of power while providing superior performance in distance and throughput. Coupled with industry leading client support, Fortress offers an end-to-end solution that supports robust communications from the vehicle to the Warfighter or first responder under high tempo mobility. Fortress has extensive experience providing tactical wireless solutions that provide broadband quality networking (voice, video and data) in environments where there is little or no centralized control, no available infrastructure and no reliance on aerial relay nodes. Fortress products are currently deployed in many of the world's most demanding environments. The U.S. Army selected Fortress to protect what is one of today's largest tactical Wi-Fi installations in Iraq consisting of over 11,000 wireless access points and 8,000 Fortress gateways. The Texas National Guard is relying on next generation "Rapid Response Communications Kits" from Fortress to quickly establish communications in dynamic environments which have no existing infrastructure. Supporting operations in these environments has required an innovative and integrated approach. Benefits:  Mesh Architecture: Meshing allows traffic to hop through multiple nodes to reach the ultimate destination. This allows the network to remain operational in complex terrain environments and to optimize the overall throughput.  Security Architecture: The information must be delivered to the intended recipient (and only the intended recipient) in a secure, mutually authenticated fashion. The classification of the information may be Sensitive but Unclassified (SBU) or Classified (Secret or Top Secret).  Radio Performance: Higher performance radios are able to transmit for longer distances, with less power and at a higher data rate. This allows units to operate at farther distances and emit a lower signature that may alert adversaries.  Simplified Configuration and Reconfiguration: Configuration is one of the typical problems that plague large, unattended networks. A simplified configuration model is one that reduces the configuration effort to the bare minimum and provides time saving capabilities to configure, and reconfigure the system as needed Return