'Suite B' encryptor provides protected network access

Fortress Technologies, part of General Dynamics C4 Systems, today announced the release of its DS310 commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) 'Suite B' encryptor for secret communication between wired or wireless devices and networks. Suite B enables a simpler process for connecting to classified networks while maintaining security. Delivered in a driverless PC card and supporting multiple layers of encryption, the DS310 meets stringent security guidelines, including those of the National Security Agency (NSA).

"The DS310 Suite B encryptor enables levels of classified communications to users previously achieved only at high cost and with specialized products," said Janet Kumpu, director of General Dynamics C4 Systems Fortress Technologies. "It uses a standard PC card, with built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet communications along with high throughput hardware encryption capabilities that can be easily adapted to a miniature size for integration into other client devices."

The DS310 is part of a prototypical implementation of the NSA Suite B initiative awarded to Fortress Technologies in 2009 to develop a short-range wireless sensor network for protecting secret wireless communications within Department of Energy Nuclear facilities. With estimated savings in the millions of dollars per plant, this project highlights the cost savings of using COTS products for secret communication through secure wireless access vs. traditional wired solutions.

The DS310 is a hardware device that uses well-established, public domain cryptographic Suite B algorithms specified by the NSA, providing sufficient encryption for US agencies and its allies to connect to classified networks. This commercial off-the-shelf, competitively priced product expands General Dynamics' initiative to deliver secure communications from the core to the very edge of the network.

At LandWarNet 2011, General Dynamics will showcase the DS310 operating with a General Dynamics Itronix rugged computer platform at the Fortress Technologies booth (#202) and the General Dynamics booth (#901).

Source: General Dynamics