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EnerLinks AES-256 Encryption
Enerdyne's AES implementation adds commercial grade encryption using a 256 bit key to the EnerLinks family of advanced video ISR digital data links.
AES is an encryption algorithm routinely used to protect classified government and vital commercial transactions including banking and financial data
and is well suited to secure the line-of-sight (LOS) ISR downlink from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for almost all missions. On their own, digital
data links add a level of complexity with multiplexing and forward error correction that can neutralize incompatible receivers. The addition of AES-256
compression completely secures the link.
The AES option for the EnerLinks™II DVA (Digital Video over Analog links) is available now. The DVA has the unique ability to convert any analog FM
data link to an advanced digital link by simply inserting the DVA module between the UAV's sensor and FM transmitter. On the ground, analog FM receivers
can feed their baseband output to an EnerLinksII DVA Ground Modem Receiver (GMR-DVA) for data recovery and decryption. The GMR-DVA outputs analog video
to drive a standard monitor as well as digital compressed video over Ethernet that can be viewed by software running on a PC. Integration of these
systems can be accomplished in the field by maintenance technicians.
The Enerdyne AES solution uses password based keys that are not classified and consequently the equipment will not require cleared operators. The AES
key is derived from a combination of the password and a "salt", which is a pseudo-random data pattern transmitted by the DVA. The implementation of the
password and salt is according to the RSA PKCS #5 and IETF RFC 2898 standards. An EnerLinksII GMR-DVA receives the "salt" and hashes it with the
password to create the encryption key. If the passwords are not identical, the keys will not match and the receiving equipment will be unable to decrypt
the data. Passwords can contain any characters available on a standard keyboard and are 8 to 64 characters long. The security of the link is improved
with longer passwords.
Key management is vastly simplified using a password. Passwords may be distributed using secure military voice or data networks. In the event of a
compromise, new passwords may be efficiently disseminated. Passwords may be used mission to mission with security because the "salt" changes each
mission and therefore the key is renewed as well.
Enerdyne's implementation of AES allows the decryption to seamlessly and automatically self synchronize within less than a millisecond after
reacquisition of the link by the GMR-DVA modem following a dropout or other link-loss event. And unlike many other encrypted systems, because of the
forward error control coding approach used by the EnerLinks waveform, the encryption process introduces almost no increase in the system bit error rate.
Other features of Enerdyne's implementation are:
• Encryption is applied to all user data as a single data stream
• Follows FIPS requirements
• Password is optionally stored in either volatile or non-volatile memory
• All keys and passwords can be erased through a software command
• Encryption does not impact latency or data throughput
The AES-256 option can be added via a simple software download in the field or depot and is supplied on CD-ROM media.
For additional information contact Enerdyne.
EnerLinks™III - Software Defined, Full Duplex, Digital Data Link
The EnerLinksIII is an advanced digital data link transceiver optimized for high bandwidth ISR applications in Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems. It is designed to address several key communications issues related to both ISR payload data and the UAS command and control. EnerLinksIII is a fully integrated system that in one small airborne package includes:
• Two channels of video compression,
• Efficient data multiplexing from sensors, IP traffic, metadata, and serial ports,
• Reliable link performance using Turbo code FEC, and interleaving,
• Waveform options for performance, and interoperablility.
The EnerLinksIII's native GMSK modulation is spectrally efficient, allowing more UAVs to operate within the same frequency band. It also supports the use of power efficient class C amplifiers. Its inherent programmability can support requirements for other waveforms such as CDL or COFDM. Used with small tactical antennas in the aircraft and on the ground, EnerLinksIII can deliver reliable link performance to the horizon.
For more information, click here, or contact Enerdyne.
EnerLinks™II DVA - Effortless Digital Over Analog Links
The EnerLinks™II Digital Video Over Analog (DVA) system is a unique digital data link for operational Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems. This full duplex, all digital system converts the existing L/S band analog FM video communications link found in most Tactical UAV's into a robust, flexible digital video and IP data link while utilizing the existing airframe ISR transmitter, power amplifier, filter, and antenna. It provides all the benefits of an advanced digital data link without changing any of the UAV RF components, virtually eliminating concerns over re-engineering and replacement of tested and qualified sub-systems.
The DVA system provides simultaneous transmission of high-quality, compressed H.264 video and UDP/IP network traffic in the same bandwidth previously required to send only analog video, and by using modern FEC techniques it achieves up to 12 dB improvement in link margin over the analog system - equivalent to a 4X improvement in range performance.
For more information, click here, or contact Enerdyne.
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