Cyber hardening R&S VCS-4G with release 10.0

11/22/2019

Air traffic is steadily increasing and new voice communications systems (VCS) are needed to replace existing legacy platforms. Key requirements include fully IP-based voice communications in line with current standards, flexible role handling/selection mechanisms and improved re-sectorization mechanisms. Additionally cyber security is fundamental to ensuring the continued safety of airspace.

R&S VCS-4G by Rohde & Schwarz is a VCS that provides a secure and consistent connection between controller and the radio. It consists of multiple components which can be combined to one individual customer solution, a VCMS management system, CWP end devices, and gateways, designed to allow two independent VCS systems (main and backup) to connect to analog radios via a E1 interface. The radio gateway also supports two redundant E1 connections, 60 simultaneous RTP streams, and 120 SIP radio sessions.

New features include compatibility with the ED-137 Volume 1C standard and main/standby based on RRC. In order to protect the integrity of networks, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access, new cyber security measures have been taken, e.g. file integrity monitoring, VCMS password management improvements, VCMS HTTPS/TLS encrypted communication and VCMS Database TLS encrypted communication, as well as VCS Audit Logging.

Additional security features include the migration to CentOS 7, where systems already delivered with CentOS 6 can be migrated. Furthermore, additional Linux OS hardening measures have been taken. Implementation of crypto pooling for secure Ground-Air-Ground voice communications to support flexible air defense operational scenarios will be available.

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www.rohde-schwarz.com