RCDS - Remote Crypto Distribution System

Remotely re-key crypto keys to multiple locations from one central site

RCDS® Overview

The management and loading of Cryptographic Variables (CVs) is a task that has to be performed on a regular basis, often daily, to all radios that need to participate in a secure network. Usually, this is performed by manual procedure which often results in military personnel repeating the same procedure at a number of sites containing radio equipment. Often due to network coverage required by these radio systems the radio sites are unnamed, are in remote locations and often are difficult to access in serve weather conditions. These activities have a high cost for the military in terms of personnel and time.

The Remote Crypto Distribution System (RCDS®) provides the user with the capability to remotely re-key crypto to multiple locations from one central site. This obviating the need for manual crypto fill. The result is significant savings on man-power and related costs. The RCDS® solution is SECAN evaluated and approved by NATO at NATO SECRET. Equipped with DS-101 and DS-102 interfaces among others the RCDS® can handle a multiple sets of units to be re-keyed simultaneously. This capability ensures that the RCDS® is the most cost effective re-keying system on the market. The system is currently being operated in a number of NATO countries.

Functionality

The Remote Crypto Distribution System (RCDS®) offers the ability to perform the management of the CVs to multiple remote sites from a central or mobile manned installation, by making use of the in-country Digital Data Network (DDN).

The RCDS® provides the capability to remotely load crypto to multiple remote locations from a central site, obviating the need for manual crypto fill, resulting in significant savings on man-power and related costs.

The RCDS® consists of computer based Master Crypto Management (MCM) system which is operating system independent and normally runs on a laptop. In its basic configuration, to small rugged boxes are required; one designated as the Master Crypto Unit (MCU) which is normally co-located with the MCM and one designated as the Slave Crypto Unit (SCU), which is normally located at the remote site. The MCU and SCU are connected by an IP secure VPN, i.e in-country Digital Data Network (DDN).

The flexibility of the system allows for expansion by simply add- ing more SCU’s for each remote site and if necessary, multiple MCU’s to cater for different operational activities (i.e C2).  Note that the system is unobtrusive, thus allowing for manual operations/control of crypto fill devices.

All components of the system have the ability to input, receive from distribution, temporary store and load CVs.

The firewall prevents and reports unauthorised access from the computer software. Multiple computers can control the RCDS®, enabling a standby capability. The standby unit receives all ongoing operations information enabling it to assume the role as the active unit on demand.

Master Crypto Management Functionality
The main tasks of the MCM are to control and monitor CVs and the RCDS® equipment. All the CV and system activities are automatically logged. This includes short title and expiry dates of CVs date and time of CV import, distribution and deletion, username of operator, and the system status.

The main task of the optional standby MCM is the capability to assume the role as the active MCM on initiation of the MCM mode switch, either on the active MCM or as request to the standby MCM.

Technical Specifications

Remote rekeying for DS101/ DS102 crypto equipment
Inputs Crypto Variables (CV) material from DS101 and DS102 key loaders
Stores up to 1024 CVs in MCU or SCU
Tampering protection
MCM performs crypto accountancy
Approved for NATO Secret
EMC: MIL-STD-461E
EM security: SDIP-27 level A
Installation: SDIP-29

 

 

Application

Key-loading and zeroize to the following

KG-40
IFF mode 4/5
ED4-2
MIDS LVT BU1 & BU2
MIDS JTRS
SATURN

Additional terminals is added to meet our customers demands.

Related markets

  • Defence

Categories

  • Command & Control
  • Secure Communication

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