Custom Engineering Services for OEMs

FortressImage_07_400x300Integrating secure wireless networking into an OEM platform offers many benefits, including reliable communications, lower overall solution cost and SWaP, and simpler deployment and management. However, developing secure wireless solutions for the government market requires highly specialized expertise in a variety of areas, including RF technology, security, and protection from harsh environments.

 

 

RF

Integrating wireless technology requires a thorough understanding of many RF communications issues. An understanding of wireless standards such as IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi and 802.16 WiMAX is required to make appropriate technology decisions for a particular solution. These standards are also evolving rapidly, so understanding these technology roadmaps is also essential. In addition, an understanding of radio propagation and the effects of different physical layers, frequencies, and antenna options is required for developing a complete solution. Also, an understanding of regulatory compliance requirements in the FCC, EU, and other host nations' domains is necessary for ensuring the solution can be used globally. 

Security

Information Assurance (IA) products must comply with many security policies and undergo security evaluation and certification before being deployed by the government. Policies and certifications exist at the federal government, NSA, DOD and service branch levels. Some of these policies and requirements are described here:

  • securityiconsNIST CMVP (FIPS 140-2) – National Institute of Standards and Technology Cryptographic Module Validation Program certifies cryptographic implementations
  • NIAP CCEVS – National Information Assurance Partnership Common Criteria Evaluation and Validation Scheme evaluated security products
  • NSA Suite B Cryptography – NSA defines and evaluates commercial cryptographic algorithms and implementations for protecting national security information
  • UC APL – DoD UC Approved Products List (UC APL) is managed by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Unified Capabilities Certification Office (UCCO) and evaluates whether or not products meet specified interoperability and IA requirements
  • Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2) – Wi-Fi Alliance certifies IEEE 802.11 networking equipment for interoperability with the WPA2 encryption standard
  • CNSS NSTISSP No. 11 – National Security Telecommunications and Information Systems Security Policy (NSTISSP) No. 11 outlines Information Assurance (IA) requirements for all commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products "to be used on systems entering, processing, storing, displaying, or transmitting national security information".
  • DOD Directive 8100.2 – Use of Commercial Wireless Devices, Services, and Technologies in the Department of Defense (DoD) Global Information Grid (GIG) specifies security and certification requirements for DOD wireless networks
  • DISA Wireless STIG – DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) provide practical guidance for administrators deploying WLANs to help them comply with policies

Harsh or Unique Environments

uav_smallNetworking products must operate in an outdoor environment subject to extreme weather, temperature, and electromagnetic conditions. In the Defense market, equipment must pass specific environmental tests such as MIL-STD-461 and 810. Equipment must also be designed to provide protection in hazardous environments, as defined by HERP, HERF, and HERO.

 In some cases, product environments are very unique, requiring customizations for integrated components. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles require lightweight, small form factor payloads that do not interfere with aviation electronics.

 

Why Fortress?

To complement our product portfolio, Fortress also works closely with our partners to design and deliver embedded systems solutions and has a broad range of integration expertise to help our partners meet the specific requirements of their end customers. Leveraging mature COTS+ products and solutions, Fortress has successfully supported a variety of strategic programs and partners with successful product integration. Fortress has specific expertise in RF, security, and harsh environments, including:

  • IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) and 802.16 (WiMAX)
  • Licensed and unlicensed spectrum
  • Global RF regulatory compliance
  • NIST CMVP (FIPS 140-2)
  • NIAP CCEVS (Common Criteria)
  • NSA Suite B Cryptography
  • DOD Unified Capabilities (UC APL)
  • Wi-Fi Alliance certification
  • DOD IA policy compliance
  • Rugged outdoor enclosures
  • MIL-STD testing
  • Hazardous environment protection (HERP, HERF, HERO)

 

Fortress Technologies can provide the best technology and support for integrating Wi-Fi technology into OEM platforms. Fortress products are Wi-Fi certified, to ensure interoperability with other COTS devices. Fortress modules meet all relevant DoD policies for environmental and security certifications. All Fortress products are designed and tested to MIL-STD-810 and 461. In addition, all Fortress products are certified through the FIPS 140-2 Cryptographic Module Validation Program. Fortress products also use a modular radio architecture to support new Wi-Fi technologies and licensed frequencies. Fortress has a variety of offerings from single to quad-radio boards to meet any of OEM's functionality, SWaP, and cost requirements. And Fortress uses high-powered radios with industry-leading receive sensitivity, providing a large coverage area around the access point. Finally, Fortress FastPath Mesh™ allows the satellite network to be extended even further than the reach of a single Wi-Fi radio through a self-configuring, multi-hop mesh network.