Category Archives: Government

What is Low-SWaP?

| March 5, 2019

What is Low-SWaP?

SWaP stands for Size, Weight, and Power – it is typically used in the context of reducing the overall dimensions and weight of a device while increasing its efficiency and lowering the overall footprint. The prominence of the acronym has been primarily driven by military requirements and industry trends toward smaller more powerful devices.

Low-SWaP in a Military Context

The use of low-SWaP has increased in military literature and requirements over the past decade. As modern strategies and tactical environments demand more mobile and flexible forces, the need for low-SWaP equipment has risen.

In fact, with the size of Rifle squads and Fireteams shrinking, fighter’s packs have increased in weight to account for fewer bodies, making the development of low SWaP equipment even more critical.

From use in Fireteams to the Battalion level, optimizing all mission-critical equipment for SWaP is a current priority of today’s armed forces.

Low-SWaP in Communications

REDCOM has a history of delivering essential communications in a compact footprint. As we develop each new generation of REDCOM products, we bear in mind the SWaP requirements of warfighters and first responders.

Our latest call control software product is the epitome of “Low SWaP”. Our Sigma® software runs on any industry-standard server with as little as 2GB/1 core.

Virtual Netcom's Low SWaP VNC RAID™ with REDCOM Sigma

We’ve been working with many partners on integrating REDCOM Sigma onto their platforms. The latest concept is our partnership with Virtualnetcom, where our software runs on a tiny server housed into a lightweight backpack that also integrates LTE functionality. The nature of REDCOM Sigma lends it to various platforms and can be installed on virtually any device that meets the low processing requirements.

To stay up-to-date on the latest from REDCOM, including where Sigma may be installed next, register for our quarterly newsletter in the footer of this page.

REDCOM and Virtual Network Communications to demonstrate field deployable LTE solution for emergency communications at IWCE 2019

| February 21, 2019

REDCOM Laboratories, Inc., the leading supplier of tactical edge communications systems, is pleased to announce it will be a part of the Virtualnetcom demonstration at the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) in Las Vegas, March 4-8, 2019.

At the show, REDCOM will be exhibiting the latest versions of its military-grade virtualized call control software, REDCOM Sigma®, running on the Virtualnetcom RAID™ platform. RAID is a stand-alone fully functional LTE wireless communication network in a backpack for tactical emergency and instant deployable scenarios. RAID combines all of the key elements of an LTE Broadband Communications network into a single system using the latest technological advancements such as virtualization, System on a Chip, and VNC’s secret sauce.

With REDCOM Sigma software integrated into the RAID platform, REDCOM and Virtualnetcom deliver full call control, conferencing, encrypted communications, and standards-based interoperability with PSTN networks and radio gateways.

“REDCOM’s integration with the Virtualnetcom hardware revolutionizes what it means to be low SWaP at the tactical edge,” said Dennis Kohlmeier, Business Development Director, Public Safety Markets. “That’s why we’re proud to partner with Virtualnetcom. Their products are the ideal platforms for REDCOM Sigma and the REDCOM Secure Client, enabling us to deliver powerful and secure call control capabilities to organizations requiring a resilient small form factor comms package.”

“The world has seen again and again, the destruction of communication infrastructure caused by natural and man-made disasters and their impact on human lives. In each situation, the story repeated itself – communication systems and networks get choked, bringing emergency services to a complete halt,” said Keith Kaczmarek, Business Development Director at Virtualnetcom. “We believe our partnership with REDCOM is going to solve a lot of these problems for emergency responders and wherever mission-critical communication is required.”

REDCOM Sigma software enables intuitive and flexible software-based call control with a rich set of UC functions, including VoIP, point-to-point video, XMPP with presence, unified messaging, and secure conferencing. Sigma’s unique small software footprint is an ideal fit for deployment with Virtualnetcom deployable solutions. REDCOM Sigma can function as an easily-deployable stand-alone Local Session Controller (LSC) or as an adjunct to an existing Enterprise Session Controller (ESC) to deliver advanced voice services such as transcoding and conferencing for red and black networks.

REDCOM will also be showcasing the REDCOM Secure Client, a powerful mobile app available for Android™, iOS™, and Windows®. The app features full preemption controls and Push-to-Talk to maximize interoperability with radio networks. Show attendees are encouraged to visit the REDCOM and Virtualnetcom teams in the Mission Critical space at IWCE.

 

About REDCOM

REDCOM Laboratories, Inc. is a woman-owned small business that specializes in the design and manufacture of advanced tactical and strategic communications solutions with a focus on security, reliability, and interoperability. REDCOM’s MIL-spec products are optimized for low size, weight, and power (SWaP), making them the ideal communications core for denied environments or deployments to the tactical edge. The company’s latest innovation, REDCOM Sigma, is a military-grade software platform that delivers robust call control, media handling, and encrypted communications. REDCOM’s customers include all branches of the military, government agencies, emergency responders, integrators, and enterprises. For additional information, please visit the REDCOM website at www.redcom.com.

 

About Virtualnetcom

Virtual Network Communications, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and supports a line of network products for wireless network operators, mobile virtual network operators (MVNO), cable TV system operators, and government and business enterprises that enable new sources of revenue and reduce capital and operating expenses. Our vision is to reinvent how wireless networks service mission critical communications for Public Safety, Homeland Security, Department of Defense and commercial Private Network users. We envision the future of virtualized MICRO networks blanket the Globe, without expensive Terrestrial based Radio Towers and Building installations. For more information, please visit the Virtualnetcom website at www.virtualnetcom.com.

Sectera Wireline Terminal (SWT) Alternative

| February 19, 2019

Maintain Secure Voice Communications with a proven replacement

REDCOM acknowledges recent industry statements regarding end of support for General Dynamics’ Sectéra® Wireline Terminal (SWT). We’d like to take this time to reaffirm our support for secure voice communications. REDCOM continues to support a proven solution using the L3 Secure Terminal Equipment – Remote (STE-R) that is ACC capable.

See our blog post, Sectera Wireline Terminal (SWT) Replacement: REDCOM Secure Device Interface, for the latest information on SWT replacement.

Learn more about the REDCOM Secure Device Interface



Sectera Wireline Terminal (SWT) Alternative - the L3 Secure Terminal Equipment – Remote (STE-R)

What is the ACC program?

ACC stands for Advanced Cryptographic Capabilities. This program is a National Security Agency (NSA) Information Assurance initiative to build and roll out evolving encryption standards that can withstand future vulnerabilities. It includes users from the Department of Defense, government agencies, and partners from around the globe. Because secure communications is so important to REDCOM, we will be carefully monitoring these NSA initiatives.

REDCOM Call Control products and Polycom end instruments successfully complete JITC testing and are now on the DoDIN Approved Products List

| January 28, 2019

REDCOM, a leading provider of advanced tactical and strategic communications solutions, today announced that its call control products and the Polycom® VVX® and Trio end instruments have successfully completed testing by the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC). The combined solution has been carefully evaluated for cybersecurity (CS) and interoperability (IO) and is now on the DoDIN Approved Product List.

Full testing was conducted with the Polycom VVX and Trio end instruments. The Polycom devices, in conjunction with REDCOM hardware and software, are all certified for AS-SIP. REDCOM Sigma, REDCOM HDX, and REDCOM SLICE® are currently the only Local Session Controllers that are fully certified for MLPP using Polycom VVX end instruments.

“We are really excited about our partnership with Polycom,” said Chris Hasenauer, REDCOM Chief Operating Officer. “Government and defense customers looking for JITC-certified Polycom devices should talk to REDCOM directly, as we are authorized to resell the entire suite of Polycom VVX and Trio end instruments. With our experience developing the world’s most reliable military-grade communications products, no other company understands the process of deploying a JITC-certified solution better than REDCOM.”

“Achieving certification by the Joint Interoperability Test Command is a significant milestone for Polycom and REDCOM,” said Mike McGinn, Polycom Senior Director, Defense and Intelligence Sales. “The REDCOM-Polycom solution delivers military-grade resiliency based on open SIP standards designed to meet the needs of government agencies as well as deployments to the tactical edge.”

REDCOM is a Polycom Registered Solution Advisor within the US Federal/NATO market. This specialization recognizes partners who have invested in developing their expertise and competency within the government and defense industry.

Government agencies or NATO allies looking for a complete solution can speak with a REDCOM communications expert by calling 585-924-6500 or by sending an email to sales@redcom.com.

 

About REDCOM

REDCOM Laboratories, Inc. is a woman-owned small business that specializes in the design and manufacture of advanced tactical and strategic communications solutions with a focus on security, reliability, and interoperability. REDCOM’s customers include all branches of the military, government agencies, emergency responders, integrators, and enterprises. Visit www.redcom.com for more details.

 

About Polycom, Now a part of Plantronics

Polycom unleashes the power of human collaboration. More than 450,000 companies and institutions worldwide leverage secure video, voice and content solutions from Polycom to increase productivity, speed time to market, provide better customer service, expand education and improve health care. Polycom and its global partner ecosystem provide choice and flexible collaboration solutions for any environment to deliver the best user experience, the broadest multi-vendor interoperability and unmatched human to human connections. Visit www.polycom.com or connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to learn more.

REDCOM Call Control Portfolio and REDCOM Secure Client Recertified by DoD’s Joint Interoperability Test Command

| January 18, 2019

REDCOM, a leading provider of advanced tactical and strategic communications solutions, proudly announces that three of its products focused on Cyber Security (CS) and Interoperable (I/O) communications have been officially recertified by the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) and placed on the Department of Defense Information Network Approved Products List (APL).

HDX V4.0AR5P1, SLICE® V4.0AR5P1, and REDCOM Sigma® 2.1.1 have all been carefully evaluated and approved as Local Session Controllers (LSC). All three products deliver powerful capabilities highly relevant to the military, including support for the Assured Services Session Initiation Protocol (AS-SIP), IPv4/IPv6 dual stack, Multi-Level Precedence and Preemption (MLPP), conferencing, and secure communications.

HDX and SLICE® are REDCOM’s hybrid hardware platforms that enable seamless interoperability between IP, TDM, and radio networks. Sigma is REDCOM’s flagship military-grade software call control platform that delivers robust call control, media handling, and encrypted communications. REDCOM systems can function as a stand-alone Local Session Controller (LSC) or as an adjunct to an existing Enterprise Session Controller (ESC) to deliver advanced voice services such as transcoding and conferencing for red and black networks.

As part of the testing, the REDCOM Secure Client for Windows® 4.1.2 has been certified with REDCOM Sigma, REDCOM HDX, and REDCOM SLICE. The REDCOM Secure Client has features and capabilities particularly useful for government and military users including MLPP, FIPS 140-2 validated encryption and dual registration for survivability.

REDCOM’s JITC-approved products deliver military-grade resiliency designed for deployments to the tactical edge. All REDCOM technology is based on open SIP standards, which eliminates proprietary endpoints and applications.

About REDCOM

REDCOM Laboratories, Inc. is a woman-owned small business that specializes in the design and manufacture of advanced tactical and strategic communications solutions with a focus on security, reliability, and interoperability. REDCOM’s MIL-spec products are optimized for low size, weight, and power (SWaP), making them the ideal communications core for denied environments or deployments to the tactical edge. REDCOM’s customers include all branches of the military, government agencies, emergency responders, integrators, and enterprises. For additional information, please visit the REDCOM website at www.redcom.com.

When is the network not really the network?

| December 10, 2018

DISA is moving forward with the idea of using remote browser technologies to provide isolation between DoD networks and the Internet. The logic behind the move stems from the notion that if most attacks on the network come in through the web browser, why not disconnect the browser from the network? While this cyber strategy won’t eliminate the risk altogether, the new architecture will increase security posture.

Similarly, in the next fight, the U.S. military will need to build resiliency into the network to be ready for cyber threats. REDCOM communication solutions provide the military with the operational flexibility needed for secure communications throughout the competition continuum and backup solutions for when networks have been compromised using well-integrated, low-SWaP solutions.

Read the article on C4ISR

Evaluating Encryption Schemes for Use in Secure Multi-Party VoIP Conferencing

| December 4, 2018

Secure, real-time, n-party VoIP teleconferencing is an area of encrypted communication which the market has largely failed to actualize for private or commercial use. In this piece, we discuss different encryption schemes for potential use in a product developed for secure, multi-party VoIP conferencing. The encryption regimes are evaluated based on multiple different factors such […]

Quantum Computing and Secure Voice Encryption

| October 26, 2018

Quantum Computing and Secure Voice Encryption

As new advancements are beginning to allow quantum computers to approach market-readiness, cybersecurity professionals are beginning to address their security frameworks and the potential for post-quantum resistant encryption schemes.

Since the “quantum-decryption apocalypse” is several years away, what is the big rush in switching our cryptographic schemes now? Are there any major benefits? Actually, there are several benefits to moving forward today.

If you’re interested in learning more, click the button below to get our white paper on Post-Quantum Encryption. The paper was authored by REDCOM’s Sal Ceravolo, Voice Product Security Program Manager. In this paper Sal takes a look at where quantum computers are in breaking the encryption schemes used today for secure voice communications. Sal also shows why companies should consider moving towards post-quantum encryption, and how the United States is competing against China in the fight for quantum computer supremacy.

Download the White Paper

An Introduction to Cryptography and the Public Key Infrastructure

| March 12, 2018

A White Paper by Mike Gates, Sales Engineer, REDCOM

Like it or not, we are living in a virtual world and using the internet for everyday tasks has become commonplace. We can visit a virtual branch of our bank and pay our bills, stream the latest episode of our favorite television program, or even take our credit card on a spending spree at a virtual mall. The internet is a major component of our lives today and provides an extremely convenient service. We sometimes need to be cautious when using that service, however. What if your bank account or credit card information was available to others during your stroll through the virtual world?

While this document won’t provide specific details on protecting your bank account, the methods used to protect this type of information are applicable to protecting other types of data. Much like the security used by a web browser to protect your bank account information the same methods can be used to protect other types of information, such as the signaling and media transmitted during a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) call.

Without a doubt, the methods and tools used to secure information that is transmitted across a network are complex subjects. Entire textbooks are devoted to each of these areas. This document is not intended to provide a comprehensive study of these subjects. Rather, a brief overview with enough information to understand the fundamentals of the subject is the goal here. Sources of additional reading will be provided at the end of the document should you wish to dig deeper into these topics.

Download the White Paper

REDCOM lauded for work on Internal Communications System for Astute Class Submarines

| July 1, 2008

REDCOM has recently received the L3 Communications/Henschel “Outstanding Supplier” Award for their ongoing work on the new Internal Communications System (ICS) for the Astute Class of Submarines of the Royal Navy. REDCOM has also been noted for their efforts on the ICS project by BAE Systems Submarine Solutions. BAE Systems is responsible for the overall development of the Astute Class submarines.

This is the second major class submarine project where REDCOM has teamed with L3 Communications/Henschel to deliver a high-quality internal communications system—the first being the Virginia Class submarines for the United States Navy.

Executives from L3 Communications/Henschel also awarded REDCOM a crystal Supplier Appreciation Award, citing REDCOM’s dedicated service and efforts. This award was presented during REDCOM’s 30th anniversary event in June 2008.

This further validates the superior quality of REDCOM products, known for their reliability, interoperability, and transportability. From tactical to strategic uses, in VoIP and TDM applications, REDCOM has the field-proven technology that a wide range of defense forces count on in operations around the world.

REDCOM is also the manufacturer of the TRANSip® technology suite that delivers VoIP through an integrated SIP Call Manager with IP Trunking, Media Gateway and Media Gateway Controller capabilities. REDCOM TRANSip connects multi-technology networks and provides the comprehensive solution for defense applications. TRANSip offers interoperability, legacy functionality, flexible and priority routing, data collection and protocol support for the international defense market.