PacStar®, a leading developer and supplier of advanced communications solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), announced today an NSA CSfC registered, integrated, commercial off the shelf (COTS), small form factor, tactical wireless gateway based on PacStar technologies. PacStar and Oceus Networks teamed to provide the solution enabling wireless dissemination through both Wi-Fi and LTE of classified data, up to Top Secret – including operational data such as targeting information, full motion video, position/location information, and common tactical picture.
Today’s warfighters require new levels of mobility and access to information in order to ensure mission success in an increasing information-enabled battlespace. By enabling mobile technologies such as Wi-Fi and LTE, warfighters gain the benefits of modern mobile devices with command post set up and tear down times reduced by hours. Tactical communications teams save the time and expense of transporting and installing thousands of feet of cabling for every move, and soldiers can operate untethered from their workstations for improved collaboration. Most importantly, by going wireless, this capability reduces network setup time, speeding tactical decision making.
PacStar SMART Gateway is based on PacStar Secure Wireless Command Post (SWCP), which comprises small form factor, modular, rugged networking equipment and servers running best-in-class network infrastructure technology configured to meet CSfC requirements. The PacStar modules inside the solution save up to 10 times the size and weight, and up to 18 times the power of comparable datacenter class equipment – while meeting MIL-STD environmental requirements.
PacStar’s IQ-Core Crypto Manager manages the provisioning of the CSfC network nodes while Oceus Networks’ SMP VPN manager manages the end user experience by providing seamless roaming between security enclaves. The combined solution provides the end user/warfighter access to the applications and data they need without the complexity of multiple end user device interactions to gain access.
Oceus completed integration and testing of the solution, and Joint Staff J6 C5AD registered the solution with the NSA CSfC program office, ensuring the solution is approved for fielding. Key warfighter benefits of the solution include:
- Capable of protecting wireless communications up to Top Secret
- Uses COTS technology, eliminating Type 1 hardware encryption devices that require special handling
- Integrated Wi-Fi and LTE technology, for high performance and long-distance wireless
- Transport independence, compatible with other radio types such as MANET
- Minimized size, weight and power – including airline carry-on sized packaging
- Capable of transmitting information from multiple domains
- Integrated and streamlined system management with PacStar IQ-Core® Crypto Manager.
“PacStar SWCP small form factor delivers the benefit of classified mobility to DoD communications programs in a dramatically smaller form factor than prior solutions,” said Peggy Miller, chief executive officer, PacStar. “The SMART Gateway packs more capability into our system than ever before, further delivering on our mission to enhance warfighter mission success.”
The SMART Gateway submitted for NSA approval by the Joint Staff J6 C5AD adds to the growing number of DoD organizations standardizing on PacStar SWCP for CSfC wireless solutions including US Army PM Tactical Networks and US Marine Corps MARCORSYSCOM.
PacStar SMART Gateway is managed by PacStar IQ-Core Crypto Manager, designed to overcome the added complexity and training burden imposed by the two layers CSfC encryption – by simplifying the setup, configuration, and management of the underlying equipment used in CSfC solutions.
PacStar’s SWCP on which the SMART Gateway is based was recently granted Washington Technology’s Industry Innovation Award for 2019. To learn more about PacStar SMART Gateway, visit www.pacstar.com/products/smart-gateway.
About PacStar
Pacific Star Communications, Inc. (PacStar) is a leading provider of advanced communications solutions for a wide range of military, intelligence and commercial applications. PacStar created and manufactures its COTS-based rugged, small form factor expeditionary and mobile communications systems. Separately, it developed integrated, network communications management software, IQ-Core® Software, for the military, federal, state/local government and emergency responder markets. The company’s patented IQ-Core® Software, hardware technology and integrated solutions provide secure, command, control and communications systems, particularly in remote or infrastructure starved areas. In addition, PacStar’s communications systems are ideally suited for commercial/industrial organizations with mission-critical field communications requirements. For additional information, please visit https://pacstar.com, LinkedIn and Twitter @pacstarcomm.
About Oceus Networks
Oceus Networks, Inc., a CSfC trusted integrator, provides customized broadband products and solutions to government and enterprise customers across the globe with the latest in standards-based commercial technology. It specializes in the delivery of mobile solutions, integrating fixed and wireless broadband technologies that enable secure, high-speed voice, video, and data communications to include 4G and 5G solutions.
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