WiMAX Security Overlay

Wireless backhaul technologies such as WiMAX enable remote sites to be interconnected using high bandwidth wireless links. Although WiMAX technology overlaps with the WiFi mesh technology to some extent, it is a complementary technology that can benefit and co-exist with a Wi-Fi mesh network. Using WiMAX for long distance backhaul connectivity a Wi-Fi mesh network can be extended over long distances. Wi-Fi mesh is ideal for providing coverage locally within a geographical region up to a few miles. WiFi mesh is also the technology of choice for highly mobile deployment scenarios such as a military base with vehicles operating within the region. Connecting remote military bases to provide full connectivity between sites can be achieved using WiMAX backhaul links. Marrying the more economical and flexible Wi-Fi mesh solution with the relatively expensive but effective backhaul WiMAX solution is ideally suited for providing continuous coverage between remote locations.

Connecting remote sites allows personnel and remote information assets to be freely accessible in a secure and convenient fashion. Being an extended wireless network, the overall solution must provide a high grade of security through controlled access and information protection using authentication and data encryption. Outdoor networks are typically deployed for an extended period of time, so equipment must be rugged to withstand weather changes. The solution must work with a multitude of end user devices. The overall performance of the extended network must provide a good user experience and should be easily scalable when required.

Technical Requirements

Implementing a Wi-Fi mesh overlay on top of a WiMAX point-to-point link infrastructure has many advantages. However, in order to choose the right set of products and deploy an effective solution it is important to understand the technical aspects of the solution. A combined Wi-Fi and WiMAX solution needs to:

• Ensure that the frequency bands in use for Wi-Fi and WiMAX do not interfere with each other. Products that support multiple frequency bands and Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) are preferable.
• Plan the network topology to ensure that WiMAX links have clear line-of-sight and that difficult coverage regions are well connected through intermediate mesh points.
• Ensure good RF performance, which is fundamental to an effective wireless solution. Products with high transmit power and excellent receive sensitivity are preferable.
• Provide standards based high-grade security and encryption, which are essential to safeguard privacy and guard against intrusion. The Wi-Fi component of the solution must offer advanced access control and encryption.
• Posses a rugged and weatherproof enclosure for harsh environments that meets environmental standards, such as, MIL-STD-810G, IEC 60529 or NEMA
• Ensure Optimal Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) with flexible mounting options, which are crucial for easy deployment and maintenance of the solution. Ability to use different power sources adds to flexibility and must be supported.
• Make it possible to configure and upgrade devices remotely, which is a critical requirement for ongoing maintenance. In addition, the ability to track and monitor network resource utilization and performance is equally important.

Fortress Solution Differentiators

Fortress Technologies has worked closely with military and government organizations to develop a solution that delivers superior performance at a reasonable cost. Some of the key distinguishing features of the Fortress outdoor network extension solution include:

• Fully interoperable and tested with multiple WiMAX products
• Excellent choice for low latency applications such as Voice over IP (VoIP)
• Performance tuned to implement the most efficient and reliable video transport solution
• Ruggedized to IP67 with MIL-STD-810G certification
• Optimal Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) with flexible mounting options
• Flexible DC and PoE power options
• Standards based, strong encryption with FIPS-140-2 validation and NSA Suite B  support, interoperable with standard third party products
• Industry leading radio performance, range and throughput
• Unmatched crypto-performance with hardware encryption and hardware TRNG (True Random Number Generation)
• Models featuring dual  quad-radio configurations to meet the need for simultaneous wireless access and backhaul
• Support for 802.11 a/b/g/n with Dynamic Frequency Selection to avoid channel conflicts
• Remote management capability with integration into Falcon View and Google Earth 

Fortress Wireless Mesh Product Suite

The Fortress product suite offers layer 2 and IPsec layer 3 encryption consistent with current Department of Defense (DoD) information assurance (IA) policies.  The FC-X inline network encryptor provides high performance and low latency suitable for network core.    The ES440 and ES520 are suitable for branch network locations.

Product specifications and certifications