MultiCom HC-2650: Secure Radio Communication for Multinational Manoeuvres
03 December 2008
Radio is one of the important communication methods for naval forces, both over short and long distances. These radio networks are used to exchange voice, data and messaging. Encryption protects this information. The MultiCom radio encryption unit HC-2650 from Crypto AG offers a multi-purpose and very robust encryption platform for radio communication.
Let us assume that the naval forces of several countries want to carry out a joint manoeuvre. In this kind of scenario, the units involved are typically divided into blue (the "goodies"), red (the "baddies") and white (manoeuvre command). In other words, all the relevant headquarters, including the allied military base and each of the national headquarters, are also involved.
This results in a complex picture with regards to communication: on the one hand, blue and red groups must be able to communicate with the white group. On the other hand, the blue groups must prevent the red groups from intercepting the communication and vice versa. This is necessary if the scenario is to be realistic. Communication takes place both over large distances (to the headquarters, usually using HF) and within and between the individual ships (usually using V/UHF). Then, military messaging (built in C2 systems), as well as voice communication on a strategic and on an operational level, are used. Therefore, an encryption platform needs to be selected, which enables cryptographically separable radio networks, as well as supporting voice, data and messaging.
Multi-purpose encryption platform
The MultiCom radio encryption unit HC-2650 lends itself as an encryption solution in this kind of scenario. It has the following multi functions: multi-radio means that practically all radio devices can be connected; multi-band means encryption in all user frequency bands; multi-service includes voice, data and messaging; multi-algorithm means that several algorithms can be used, something which is necessary for multinational manoeuvres (national algorithms plus what are known as allied algorithms). The robust construction of the MultiCom HC-2650 enables its use on ships or mobile command posts; thanks to its small dimensions, it can also be used in helicopters or special ships with limited space, such as speedboats. The unit is mechanically highly resilient, extremely resistant to the effects of weather and is waterproof.
Successful use in practice
The MultiCom HC-2650 has proved itself in various installations, in differing interface connections and in extensive operations – including in multinational scenarios. This shows that the unit is able to cover the required and promised range in various ways. The MultiCom HC-2650 can be connected to different, newer radio and also with frequency hopping – for example the Falcon II series (Harris), PR4G (Thales) or M3xR (Rohde & Schwarz). The MultiCom HC-2650 makes the most advanced radio devices highly secure and maintains the top quality voice – better than with a built-in coder.
All these connections were made for both voice and data, in fact for narrow band on the one hand (HF and V/UHF) and broadband on the other (V/UHF), with analogue as well as digital interfaces. It was successfully demonstrated that digital voice communication via VINSON compatible interfaces is possible. When exchanging data, the MultiCom HC-2650 operates both for data flows – for example sensor data – as well as for messaging using various (military) messaging systems (for example SAMMS, HF Messenger, Postman) in broadcast, and also in peer-to-peer mode.
The MultiCom radio encryption unit HC-2650 is used nowadays both in strategic command networks for communication between headquarters and the operational units, as well as for communication on an operational level.
Compatible with Crypto IP platforms
Crypto AG is continually adapting the platform to new conditions so that the MultiCom HC-2650 will meet the range of applications required by customers in the future. The MultiCom HC-2650 is now available with IP/VPN application capability. This new application for MultiCom HC-2650 is fully compatible with the other Crypto IP platforms (HC-78xx). All applications, including Voice 2650, Voice 265, Data 2650, Data 7665 and IP/ VPN 78xx can be loaded in parallel. This means that either the new IP application or the conventional 2650 applications are active, as the interfaces naturally need to be switched over each time.
