` Switching To The Future: A Introduction to the DICES VoIP Mission-Critical Voice Switch System Overview and Multi-Level Secure Designs May 2011
Quintron Systems Historical Perspective Company founders involved in VAFB launches from early 1960 s Quintron started in 1970, major emphasis on O&M contracts: Initial 3 year contract at VAFB extends to 21 consecutive years to 1993 Dryden contract started in 1981 and extends for 12 consecutive years First analog mission voice system completed in 1972 DICES production history through five+ generations: 2 DICES I (1980-84) built for VAFB Shuttle launch, used for Titan to 2005 DICES II (1989-95) installed at 12 sites, >1000 system ports total DICES III (1996-2004) at 60+ sites, >5000 system ports (+Red/Black) DICES Sub-MUX (1998-now) at 20+ sites, >1200 operator stations DICES IV (2004-now) at 18 sites, 21 systems, >1700 system ports DICES VoIP (2005-now) at 12 sites, 16 systems, largest 200 clients
DICES VoIP Server-Based Architecture User Clients support all typical DICES functions (multiple circuit access, talk and monitor, circuit pool) and all circuit types, including dial lines and RF Platform independent JAVA client software GUI system admin provided Dedicated SBC user stations also available VoIP Server provides system audio summation and distribution to clients WiFi or cellular links available with full multi-circuit access Direct T1 link to DICES IV as option Remote users can be supported via standard Internet links Major Features: Server-based and client to client audio distribution Server and client in Java for platform independence Low bandwidth (100kbs max, 60kbs typ) with 64kbs voice and silence suppression Mono and stereo audio Optional encryption and compression supported Software-only clients or dedicated SBC user stations All links are standard Ethernet and IP protocol Up to 1900 independent voice channels available 500+ User clients supported on standard Xeon server Legacy analog audio fully integrated with T1 Gateway 3 All legacy audio connections supported through T1 Gateway, including radio PTT and phone calls
DICES VoIP Keyset Styles Java Client for Keyset: supports virtually any computer-based option, from CFE computers through various package styles for dedicated hardware types Typical User GUI: adaptable to customer needs SBC Keyset: touch screen USB headset Cellular-PDA: 3G and Wi-FI client access 4
DICES VoIP Keyset User GUI Status section: user log-in profile info, server connection health Function Keys: real-time conferences, paging, key volume controls, dial pad, etc VU Meter: real-time RX-TX display 5 Main Key Display: Talk-Mon selection, color outline for MLS-type priority override, key state-audio activity, LR ear audio assignments, RT conference # Dial Pad with 3 Tab Rolodex (circuit users list also avail) Circuit Pool: user selection on/off key display from system-approved circuits
MLS Option 1 Two-Level Secure Audio with Headset Combiner DICES VoIP Servers: use current product in single-level security environment DICES VoIP clients: use DICES current product at single-level and USB audio output to Combiner Headset Combiner conceptual design Major Features: Utilized already existing DICES VoIP software throughout Headset Combiner a relatively simple design building off previously USAF approved designs for USSTRATCOM Domain selection is via front panel switch for clear control All audio inside Combiner completely isolated between two security domains via separate components Isolation relays used to disable non-selected transmit path Could monitor both domain audio until transmit enabled Multiple headsets and more than two security domains could also be supported if needed 6
MLS Option 2 Red-Black DICES VoIP System Concept Std interfaces provided for connection to legacy audio sources, such as radios; phones Proposed with Major Prime for UAV-based project utilizing multiple control rooms and shared audio Std Ethernet-IP networks can be used, including user-supplied encryption Dual Servers to support true Red/Black separation User Station utilizes two SBC for separation with single headset interface (128-bit encryption avail) 7
MLS Option 2 Red-Black DICES VoIP User Station Concept Black Audio Access Touch Screen Panel Red Audio Access Touch Screen Panel 24 Black audio access keys Rolodex for quick phone call access Single USB headset connection 24 Red audio access keys Circuit Pool for user circuit assignment to active page Only major development audio card for combined Red-Black in one headset. Can also provide this keyset with physical R/B switch and discrete switch logic for complete air-gap isolation solution 8