OUR CAPABILITIES

Network Architecture

The Data Acquisition Network (DAN) architecture for tracking strategic assets consists of three primary elements:

The Sensor Pack containing mission specific sensors and communications network hardware
The Endo-atmospheric Surrogate Satellite (ESS) - the airborne communications platform
The Network Operations Centers (NOCs) - regional and national switching and routing centers

Below is an example of how the F2 Network Architecture could enhance domestic/foreign container shipping.

The Key Elements are:

The Bonded Warehouse where the container is X-rayed
The foreign ESS or Monopole in the foreign port
The Shipboard Mesh node with Satellite uplink
The Monopole in the US port to hand-off to the Domestic ESS

The diagram illustrates the flow of information in the sample ecosystem.

F2's next step is a large-scale trial based on prototype equipment with the ability to track every container that enters the demonstration port and maintains continuity on its location and status until it leaves the RF footprint of the airborne asset. F2 is working with several ports across the US to begin large-scale trials by the end of 2008.