Fortress Technologies to Support Development of Prototype Mobile Ad Hoc Wireless Network
Company to Partner With Naval Sea Systems Command on $1.4 Million Grant Program
TAMPA, FL--(Marketwire - April 22, 2008) - Fortress Technologies, a leading provider of
security and secure wireless solutions, today announced that it has been
selected to assist in the development and delivery of a prototype mobile ad
hoc wireless network for deployment in the wireless tactical battlespace.
Partnering with the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Dam Neck -- a
component of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) -- Fortress will
execute the delivery of the prototype protocol system, which includes a
complete mesh network, under the $1.4 million grant program titled "Secure,
Robust Tactical Wireless 'Mesh' Network."
"'Meshing' provides a local area network that enables direct connectivity
between wireless devices and a centralized network," said Roger W. Kuhn
Jr., Senior Project Engineer (Networks/IA) who will serve as the U.S.
government trusted agent providing oversight to this project. "This
capability will better enable our military to transmit and receive voice,
video, and data in a deployed environment. Additionally, it will provide
converged networking support on the battlefield through resilient, high
performance communications. This is a critical project for the future of
the warfighter."
Issued by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), the grant is for
the development of 10 prototype secure wireless bridges with software
modifications to support advanced meshing capabilities. These
environmentally ruggedized, secure wireless bridges will support an
improved form of Tactical Mobile Peer-to-Peer or Ad Hoc wireless networks
(MANet) for deployment in the mobile, wireless tactical battlespace.
"NSWC Dam Neck's mission is to provide innovative capabilities by
delivering force-level integrated and interoperable product solutions to
the maritime, joint, special warfare, and information operation domains,"
said Janet Kumpu, President of Fortress. "Directly supporting this
mission, the technical capability derived from this project will extend
access of critical data to vehicles and people on the move, putting
information into the hands of the warfighter on the battlefield. This
grant, coupled with several other focused wireless programs, is enabling
the Navy to satisfy their mission by leveraging Fortress based solutions.
We are very excited to be working with Mr. Kuhn and NSWC Dam Neck on this
important grant project."
The project will use the Fortress Secure Wireless Bridge as the platform
for prototype development. The Fortress Secure Wireless Bridge is an
all-in-one network access device with built-in Federal Information
Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 validated security. Fortress Secure
Wireless Bridges are ideally suited to work as self-contained networks
combining the functions of a wireless access point, Ethernet switch, and
security gateway in a form factor engineered specifically for harsh outdoor
environments. For more information on Fortress Secure Wireless Bridges,
visit:
http://www.fortresstech.com/products_services/products_es520.asp
About Fortress Technologies
Fortress Technologies designs, develops and manufactures products that
allow our customers to deploy secure wireless and wired networks that
comply with stringent government policies. Fortress provides
industry-leading security and wireless technologies that extend the reach
of networks, bringing applications and information to those who need it,
when and where they need it. Fortress enables immediate "on demand" secure
voice, video and data communications virtually anywhere and across all
wired or wireless transports including Wi-Fi (802.11), WiMAX (802.16), free
space optics (FSO), Military RF and satellite.
Fortress products are currently deployed in some of the world's most
demanding environments, supporting vital operations that include deployable
communications, disaster recovery and continuity of operations (DR COOP),
perimeter and border security, outdoor wireless networks, wireless sensor
networks, wireless video surveillance and vehicle networks.
For more information, visit www.fortresstech.com or call 813-288-7388.