Security for integrated IP-ATM/tactical-strategic networks

Creation of "seamless" integrated strategic-tactical networks to provide global communication is a high priority for the DOD. The military services are currently expanding their tactical IP data networks into mobile environments, for example through TRI-TAC and MSE-based networks, and beyond via radio network extensions. Simultaneously, ATM networks, providing economical high-bandwidth-on-demand service, are being tested with great success. Military planners are already designing mixed IP and ATM network environments, both tactical and strategic. An urgent requirement, but still under development, is security for these integrated networks. GTE has just completed a proof-of-concept Tactical End-to-end Encryption Device (TEED) under contract from Army CECOM. TEED provides security for integrated tactical-strategic IP data networks. GTE has also completed Release-1 development of the NSA-contracted FASTLANE (KG-75) ATM encryptor. Recently, the Army and NSA formed a partnership to have a joint service tactical encryptor developed that would combine TEED IP security with lower speed FASTLANE-interoperable ATM encryption. The TACLANE (KG-175) will perform simultaneous IP and ATM security as needed by each connection it supports. It will operate full duplex at speeds up to 25 Mbps, while FASTLANE operates at speeds to 622 Mbps. With such devices the DOD will have the seamless security required for its tactical-strategic networks no matter how unpredictable the transition is from today's predominantly IP networks to tomorrow's predominant ATM. Users will be able to select security that meets their needs without fear of becoming trapped in what might have been IP or ATM security "stovepipes". This paper will summarize the capabilities that will be available in FASTLANE and TACLANE (members of NSA's MISSI security product family) and show how they can be used to secure the networks that military planners are considering today.