General Dynamics Develops Ultra High-Speed Type 1 Encryptor to Protect High- Bandwidth Communication Among Very High-Speed Networks - General Dynamics Communication Systems' UltraFASTLANE - Product Development

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Oct 25, 1999

General Dynamics Communication Systems announced Tuesday that it is developing a new, ultra high-speed Type 1 encryptor on behalf of the National Security Agency (NSA). The encryptor, called the UltraFASTLANE, will protect communication among very high-speed networks that support a variety of sensitive information-sharing needs for United States national-security and defense agencies.

The UltraFASTLANE will encrypt data transmitted over asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) networks at speeds up to 2.5 Gigabits per second (Gps). This is four times faster than the current industry standard Type 1 ATM encryptor, General Dynamics' FASTLANE device. In laymen's terms, the UltraFASTLANE will be able to encrypt data at the rate of 120,000 typewritten pages per second.

Bob Dutton, vice president and general manager of the Trusted Network Solutions group for General Dynamics Communication Systems, said, "The UltraFASTLANE builds on the capabilities of the FASTLANE and TACLANE encryptors and expands users' capacity to securely communicate high-bandwidth data such as imagery and video. In addition, all of General Dynamics' encryption products are interoperable, flexible and highly configurable, enabling users to economically customize their security architecture to meet the unique needs of thousands of end-users on a given network, including users who rely on high-bandwidth applications."

Shipments of UltraFASTLANE are projected to begin by mid-2001.

General Dynamics Encryptors Secure Classified Data UltraFASTLANE follows the FASTLANE encryptor that was developed for NSA and introduced in January 1997. FASTLANE operates at speeds up to OC-12 (622 Mbps), making it one of the fastest classified encryptors available for any network.

FASTLANE is the only NSA-certified Type 1 ATM encryptor available for use over public switched ATM networks, eliminating the need for users to employ bulk encryptors over costly dedicated circuits or private networks to achieve their security objectives. Applications for its use include high-bandwidth data transmission such as live simulations, joint-forces exercises and imagery over ATM networks.

In addition to FASTLANE, General Dynamics is developing the TACLANE encryptor for NSA. The TACLANE is another Type 1 encryptor that will provide secure communications in a single device for both IP and ATM networks. Both encryptors ensure confidentiality and end-to-end authentication to protect sensitive government information.

Both the FASTLANE and TACLANE encryptors can be managed from a central location through General Dynamics' Encryptor Manager, making it easy and more efficient for system administrators to configure the encryptors, assign keys and perform other monitoring and control tasks for encryptors in remote locations.

Full-Service Security Offerings General Dynamics Communication Systems (formerly GTE Government Systems, Communication Systems Division) has more than 25 years' experience in providing integrated security solutions to protect the information communicated on the networks it builds and operates. It provides a number of Web-based security products and services, including public key infrastructure and certification authorities, access control and firewall management.

Network technologies for the government include electronic key management, multilevel network security, encryption and associated security management software for ATM and IP networks, supported by extensive security consulting and systems integration programs.

The unit also provides secure communication and information solutions that integrate custom-developed and commercial off-the-shelf products for the military and commercial markets. It designs, integrates, and supports strategic and tactical battlefield communication systems, worldwide, and provides environmentally hardened and special packaging of computer equipment and peripherals for both commercial and military applications.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 44,000 people worldwide and has annualized sales of approximately $10 billion. The company has leading market positions in shipbuilding and marine systems, land and amphibious combat systems, information systems, and business aviation.