Fixed Networks Featured Article

Scalable Network Technologies (News - Alert) (SNT), a provider of communication network performance evaluation, has introduced EXata/cyber.

This new software tool has been designed specifically to support and accelerate development of cyber security capability for communication networks, according to company officials.

Company officials said EXata/cyber provides a robust emulation platform that can expose vulnerabilities – friendly and opposing – that threaten communication networks, and enables the rapid development and testing of countermeasures.

EXata/cyber is based on EXata, SNT’s network emulation tool. The new software makes it possible to vet networks via creation of a “software virtual network.”

Company official said that SVNs are exact digital replicas of physical networks in virtual space. They are based on emulation that enables them able to interoperate with applications, devices, management tools, threats, and people – at real time speed.

Unlike widely used simulation systems, SVNs emulate all of the layers in IP networks up to thousands of nodes. Company officials said that this provides cyber security planners high fidelity results that are comparable to physical testing but easily configurable.

EXata/cyber's main components include a Graphical User Interface -- architect, analyzer, file editor; emulation kernel; universal protocol adapter; connection manager; and more. Also, it features a library of protocol models for many types of networks and cyber capabilities.

Company officials said that EXata/cyber comes in two parts. The main part is EXata emulation engine that creates a digital replica of the user's target network, and second part is the Connection Manager that runs on their operational systems.

Connection Manager supports a large variety of applications such as Internet browsers, tactical communications, situational awareness information, sensor data, instant messengers, VoIP, streaming video, and more.

Additionally, for testing networks for cyber warfare readiness, EXata/cyber can also interface with Semi-Automated Forces (SAF) or Computer Generated Forces (CGF) via HLA or DIS, said company officials.