Ring of Fire Multi-Level Switching Security Solution

The Ring of Fire Multi-Level Switching Security Solution advances on-orbit capabilities by enabling platforms to carry all necessary data appropriately, securely, and simply on one data bus. It is purpose-built with software/firmware for a controlled, data-separation bus, allowing for a low SWaP-C data-separation solution. The system is founded on policy-driven controls and allows for layering of cryptographic mechanisms with data-separation, coupled with mechanisms in ground systems and mission operations. It leverages concepts from NCDSMO Raise-the-Bar Multi-Level Switch and Network Interface Card. Key features include permitting data exchanges at various sensitivity and classification levels, reducing lifecycle management challenges across SV and payload integrations, launch, LEOPs, and Mission. It enables Multiple Independent Levels of Security (MILS) with clear evolution paths to Multi-Category Security (MCS) and Multilevel Security (MLS), suitable for various orbits such as LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, Cislunar and beyond. The solution enables pairwise encryption/decryption with Payload Operation Centers and supports control configurations for data sharing per specific program security policies. It also supports bus-unique interface technologies like SpaceWire, 1553, and Ethernet, with extensibility for Multi-Level Security (MLS) and “Flyaway Networking.” The SNAP Ring Network Module (SRNM) and SNAP Ground Network Module (SGNM) work in concert to provide secure data transmission between payloads and ground operations, supporting IPv4 or IPv6 packets with CIPSO (FIPS-188) or CALISPSO (RFC 5570) Security Option and IP Authentication Header (RFC 4302).