The eCenturion Tribune

eCenturion Selected for U.S. Navy Research

August 28, 2006

The U.S. Navy Sea Systems Command has selected eCenturion as one of four companies to participate in a research project to investigate existing technology options associated with "wireless networks aboard ships at sea" and their continued feasibility for widespread application for the Navy.

This study will build on previous related work, such as the outfitting of gateways aboard the USS Howard with a Wireless LAN (WLAN). Currently there are over 50 separate "wired" local area networks on a ship to support multiple claimants and missions. The proliferation of physical networks has resulted in significant challenges in cost and design to maintain current fiber and copper structure cabling, resulting in significantly higher life cycle costs. Alternative solutions are required to counter this trend and minimize valuable and limited resources.

The Navy is pursuing further analysis to investigate emerging technology options, feasibility of implementation and the related information assurance issues. This new research will expand NAVSEA's knowledge of such systems and their potential for broad use across the Navy.

The research will take place in three phases: a Research Phase, a Design Exploration Phase and a final Architecture Design Phase.

Background

Navy The complexity of today's modern warships has greatly increased the numbers of Local Area Networks needed to operate associated weapons and administrative systems. Modern US navy guided missile cruisers and destroyers have traditionally performed as multi-mission platforms, with multiple LANs required throughout the ship. These multi-mission ships are capable of sustained combat operations in any combination of Anti-Air, Anti-Submarine, Anti-Surface, and Strike warfare environments. They are built to be employed in support of Carrier Battle Groups, Amphibious Assault Groups, as well as interdiction and escort missions. Due to their extensive combat capability, these ships will continue to be the backbone of the Navy for many years to come and will require modernization of LANs, to include the potential for transition to wireless networks where possible.