Submarine communications modernization - technology insertions for interoperability and supportability in the 2015 timeframe

This paper investigates the issues and concerns that must be addressed in modernization of the common submarine radio room (CSRR) currently being deployed on three classes of submarines. This first submarine communications system designed to support network centric operations requires updates to the architecture by the 2015 timeframe in order to accommodate now emerging technologies and to resolve current shortfalls in efficiencies and supportability. Investigation includes: 1) replacement of current VME bus, back-plane technology with new bus, switched fabric technology, including the use of thin clients, 2) component modernization or replacement to ensure interoperability with transformational communications initiatives (including JTRS, WGS, AEHF, TSAT, MUOS), 3) impending IPv6 and HAIPE encryption migrations, 4) multi-level security/data sharing initiatives, and 5) measures necessary to increase the degree of automation provided by the system Methods for accommodating these emerging needs and objectives through a modernization of the current CSRR architecture are discussed, focusing on the transition of the current architecture and continued implementation of the CSRR technology assessment process (TAP).