The Smartronix NRG™ is a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)/Radio over Internet Protocol (RoIP) network radio gateway that integrates voice communications and conferencing, MIL-STD-188-184 and HPW data, and radio remote control capability into a single standalone appliance. NRG consists of a unique combination of voice and data capabilities. Smartronix develops the radio gateway appliance and the underlying RoIP software. Since there is no separate server required, this standalone appliance can be configured for rack mounting, or can be integrated within a more rugged enclosure for tactical use (e.g., can be built to cinch down in a vehicle or boat implementation). NRG supports and enhances C2 communications at every level - from a commander's vehicle to forward operating base (FOB) and even up to a division-level tactical operations center.

Maneuver units and Special Operations Forces (SOF) require communications operators to patch voice from phones, networked clients, and radios into a single audio channel or conference. Such functionality allows for maximum communications flexibility and improved coordination for deployed units. In addition, they require the ability to use a computer network to remotely reconfigure military radios to operate on different frequencies and settings. Finally, they require the ability to share expensive radio data controllers as network assets to minimize the cost of sending data over radio links. Smartronix has designed NRG to provide all of these functions in a single network server that is easy to configure and maintain, and allows for efficient use of existing communications gear.

NRG is a mature product that has enabled SOF and conventional forces in all theaters to easily transfer and receive all types of information, ranging from critical mission data to simple chat messages. It provides the combat commander the ability to coordinate and control his ground forces in multiple areas of operations. The system is flexible and fully scalable. A distributed architecture with a dedicated controller for each radio point of presence allows scaling to specific mission requirements. The flexibility of the system allows 200 users per radio gateway, remote operation, multiple radio interfaces, and communications through such industry standard protocols as H.323, SIP, and Multicast. The system is interoperable with WAVE, TOCNET, IPICS, Cisco Call Manager, Access Net, SIP phones, and generic IP phones; and it works with PDAs/cellular phones. The following tactical radios are supported:

NRG was designed to take advantage of emerging network technologies, allowing it to stay on the forward edge of technology through evolutionary technology insertions (ETI). Various versions have been fielded through NAVAIR's Special Communications Requirements Division (SCRD) for Special Operations Command (SOCOM) where they are known as VICOM. NRG takes advantage of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and software components as well as specific custom device support modules, allowing it to be easily tailored to evolving customer requirements. A single unit has the capability to support up to four tactical radios in audio/data mode. The dual configuration simply doubles this capability. Additional units may be added as communications requirements increase, up to a maximum of 100 radios. By connecting a radio to the integrated VoIP/RoIP system, the radio is effectively transformed into a network device that can be accessed by any authorized user on the computer network. The user can then access other communications networks via the gateway services provided by the unit. It also provides a flexible conferencing server capable of supporting multiple audio sources simultaneously, allowing communications in conference or channel mode. Sources include analog, digital, cellular phone, and military or civilian radios. NRG provides radio bridging between like and dissimilar radio devices. Multiprocessing capability is increased since the system permits processors to share the processing load among all attached appliances. This feature creates a system that is fault tolerant and infinitely scalable.

NRG offers a user-friendly, cost-effective VoIP/RoIP communications capability. The open architecture allows the end user to tailor the system for specific operational requirements. Individual components can be purchased and added to an existing communications network with ease. It can be configured by personnel with no special Information Technology (IT) training. Unlike other commercial products, our system can be installed, configured, and operational in less than 30 minutes by a novice radio operator.

For their instantiation of the VoIP/RoIP system, commonly known as “VICOM,” SOCOM and NAVAIR are in the process of renewing the Authority to Operate (ATO) by the Defense Information Agency Certification and Accreditation Process (DIACAP). They also are in the process of obtaining Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) accreditation. The underlying software has been integrated into the TACLAN software baseline, which is fully accredited.

The Smartronix NRG VoIP/RoIP system:

• Converts a radio into a networked resource
• Allows cross-domain communications between audio sources (integrated bridging system)
• Provides an open architecture (scalability)
• Allows multiprocessing and is fault tolerant and self-healing
• Is easy to configure and maintain
• Is currently being used in every U.S. military branch, and is available from Smartronix