Remote Crypto Distribution System (RCDS^®)

The RCDS® solution provides the capability to remotely load Crypto Variables (CVs) to secure equipment by making use of the in-country Digital Data Network (DDN). The RCDS® concept was initially established for a Norwegian program in order to integrate the abilities of remote loading or Re-Keying of CVs to the Link 16 Multi Information Distribution System Low Volume Terminal (MIDS LVT).

 

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® was originally approved by the Norwegian National Security Agency (NoNSA) up to and including HEMMELIG (Norwegian Secret). The RCDS® is now NATO approved after successfully completing both the EMC and TEMPEST (SDIP-27A) tests. These tests were the last to be conducted prior to achieving NATO Accreditation following which it is planned to achieve US NSA approval.

 

With a new concept for remote distribution of cryptographic keys within the area of Communication Security, the Remote Crypto Distribution System (RCDS®) enables the capability to centrally re-key equipment installed at remote unmanned sites. The RCDS® is the solution to overcoming general re-keying problems.

 

The RCDS®, which consists of a computer based management system and dedicated master/slave hardware, utilizes NATO approved Virtual Private Network cryptographic equipment connecting through Local or Wide Area Networks.

 

A Crypto Management System controls the CV operations and manages the RCDS® equipment defined in the system. The CMS will take the role as Master Crypto Management if connected to the Master Control Unit and as Slave Crypto Management if connected to the Slave Control Unit. The MCM can control its own MCU and any connected SCUs, making the SCM an optional feature. A computer containing the Master Crypto Management connected to the MCU has the ability to input CVs from a Removable Fill Device, temporarily store CVs, distribute CVs to remote units, and erase CVs.

 

This computer, having system wide control, is typically located at manned sites. A computer containing the Slave Crypto Management connected to the SCU has the ability to input CVs from a removable fill device, temporarily store CVs, receive CVs from other units, load CVs to a terminal (i.e. MIDS), and erase CVs. This computer, having control of the co-located terminal only, is not required at unmanned sites as the SCU can operate without any SCM.

 

FEATURES

• Open architecture.
• COTS independent.
• Crypto equipment independent.
• Data logging.
• Remote control & monitoring of equipment discretes.
• CV erasure on tamper detection.
• Supports both DS-101 & DS-102 interfaces.

 

KEY BENEFITS

• Distribution from a centralised location.
• Reduced man-power.
• Avoids critical re-keying failures.
• Provides automatic crypto accountancy.
• Re-keying of remote manned/unmanned sites.
• Increased operational time.
• Fast re-keying (error correction).
• CV loading to terminals in different networks.
• Different CV can be loaded to same terminal in different positions.
• Remote zeroise.
• Number of terminals is unlimited.
• Cost effective