Description:
OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems
OBJECTIVE: DTRA seeks the development of a compact, ruggedized, all-in-one network routing solution for tactical use of the CBRN Plug-In within a local Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) Server that is compatible with the existing MANET radios currently employed by OI-CO and SOCOM. For DTRA, this will enable Technical Support Groups (TSGs) to utilize the ATAK CBRN Plug-in (CBRNPI) locally in any operational environment regardless of the communications restrictions present in the specific area of responsibility. Further commercialization is envisioned to provide benefit to other Federal Government agencies and to State and Local Governments for needs such as law enforcement and search and rescue.
DESCRIPTION: TSG’s are tasked with providing Geographic Combatant Commanders (GCC) with the capability of real-time detection, location, identification, and characterization of CBRN materials of concern. CBRN search operations are often conducted in complex environments that greatly limit standard wireless network connections. Software defined radios that utilize Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANET) technology are able to self-heal and scale in number with minimal data throughput degradation even in GPS denied environments. When paired with MANET radios, a local ATAK server with powerful processing capabilities allows operators to fully utilize the ATAK CBRNPI and capture all real-time sensor data regardless of communication restrictions over common networks (e.g., LTE, SATCOM). Integrating both the MANET radio and ATAK server into a router allows operators the option of using both global SIM cards and military SATCOM in a portable package that meets the dismounted SWaP requirements of the TSG’s CBRN mission. Currently, no singular government or commercial product exists to conduct edge computing and tactical network routing while also providing a local ATAK server capable of storing historic data from a potentially large number of simultaneously streaming sensors, running individual search and ID algorithms.
Requirements for this development are as follows:
• Router
o Dual-SIM, Dual-Modem with active fail-over protection
o 2.4 and 5 GHz with WiFi 6 support
o 2 x LAN and 1xWAN Ethernet Ports
o Capable or running an internal VPN
o Internal LTE antennas
• MANET Radio
o 6-Watt transmission power with 3x3 MIMO and 120 Mb/s of data throughput
o L, S, and C band capable with interchangeable modules
o AES 256 encryption
o RNDIS ports capable of routing IP traffic
o Web accessible GUI for specific radio configurations
• ATAK Server
o Quad core I7 processor
o 32 GB DDR4 RAM
o 1TB SSD
o x86 (not ARM) compatible with Linux based OS interoperable with ATAK Server requirements
o No cooling required
• SWaP:
o Approximate dimension of final packaging must be less than 5” x 5” x 3”
o Less than 3 lbs in weight
o Capable of running off of both a standard military 2590 or 2557 Lithium battery and 120/240 VAC (power source should not be included in dimension and weight requirements)
o Capable of swapping batteries with no loss of configured router, radio, or server settings
o IP Rating of no less than IP44
o Internal LTE antennas
o 3 x flexible radio antennas with horizontal and vertical polarization
• User Interface – centralized location that displays the following:
o Static IP addresses for the LAN, MANET radio, and ATAK Server
o Current VPN status
o Hyperlink to MANET radio GUI
o Current SIM/s status
PHASE I: ATAK Router development will start with the performer conducting thorough market research of the individual COTS and GOTS solutions that are currently available and meet the above requirements of each component/subcomponent. Once the correct COTS/GOTS solutions are identified, a lab bench style integration will be conducted followed by a live demonstration that validates the the propoased approach while establishing the feasibility of the chosen configuration of integrated components. The demonstration will result in a relavant display of data in the ATAK CBRNI. Further refinement will focus on modification/replacement of the individual components to better meet SWaP and User Interface requirements. Phase 1 should culminate with two protoypes that successfully demonstrate the ability to meet the requirements listed in the Desription Section.
PHASE II: This portion of development should focus on system refinements, such as to SWaP, and refining the GUI to meet requirments. An additiononal focus should be on the development of a commercially available kit that includes user cables, manuals, user training curriculum, and outer storage packaging of the now COTS ATAK Router. The final deliverable will be six ATAK Router Kits with an intended focus towards SOCOM users.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: No entry
REFERENCES:
1. An Overview of MANET Technologies – Finabel, (https://finabel.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/48.-An-Overview-of-MANET-Technologies-Advantages-and-Disadvantages-in-the-Military.pdf);
2. ATAK Product Center, (https://atak.gov);
3. Arnhouse Digital Device Corporation - ADDC, (https://addc.com/product/biodigitalpc-12x/);
4. Comparing Dual SIM vs Dual Modem – CradlePoint, (https://cradlepoint.com/resources/blog/comparing-dual-sims-vs-dual-modems/);
5. What is Wifi 6? – Intel, (https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/gaming/resources/wifi-6.html);
6. BB-2590/U, 9.9 AH – BrenTronics, (https://www.bren-tronics.com/bt-70791cg.html);
KEYWORDS: Tactical Edge Computing; ATAK; CBRN Search; IoT; Software Defined Tactical Mesh Radio; Single Board Computers
