Application of mobile router to military communications

Abstract

Cisco Systems and NASA Glenn Research Center under a NASA Space Act Agreement have been performing joint networking research to apply Internet technologies and protocols to space-based communications. During this time, Cisco Systems developed the mobile router which NASA and Cisco jointly tested. The early field trials of this technology have been successfully completed. The mobile router is software code that resides in a network router. A mobile router allows entire networks to roam while maintaining connectivity to the Internet. This router code is pertinent to a myriad of applications for both government and commercial sectors. This technology can be applied to the wireless battlefield and for near-planetary observation and sensing spacecraft. It enables communication via the Internet or intranets to aircraft. The mobile router can be incorporated into emergency vehicles, particularly ambulances and life-flight aircraft, to provide real-time connectivity back to hospital healthcare experts. Commercial applications include entertainment services, IP telephone and Internet connectivity for cruise ships, commercial shipping, tour buses, aircraft and, eventually, cars. This paper briefly describes the mobile router operation. An upcoming wide area network field test with application to US Coast Guard communications is described. The paper also highlights military and government networks that can benefit from the deployment of the mobile router and its associated applications.