- A new tool creates synthetic networks that expose real communication network vulnerabilities, particularly in the most vulnerable wireless domain -

Los Angeles, CA (March 29, 2010) — Scalable Network Technologies, Inc. (SNT), the leader in communication network performance evaluation, announced the introduction of EXata™/cyber, a new software tool designed specifically to support and accelerate development of cyber security capability for communication networks. 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.

Based on EXata, SNT’s proven network emulation tool, EXata/cyber makes it possible to rigorously vet networks through creation of a “software virtual network” (SVN). SVNs are exact digital replicas of physical networks in virtual space – indistinguishable from a real network. SVNs are based on emulation, which enables them able to interoperate with applications, devices, management tools, threats, and people – at real time speed. In contrast to widely used simulation systems, SVNs emulate all of the layers in IP networks up to thousands of nodes. This provides cyber security planners high fidelity results that are comparable to physical testing – but more easily configurable and at much lower cost. This in turn makes it possible to design security into the networks and applications themselves, as opposed to bolting solutions on after the fact.

In today’s cyberwar conundrum, this capability brings advantage in a number of crucial areas: revealing vulnerabilities in network configurations; emulating mobile network performance where malicious attacks may be confused with environmental effects; understanding effects of cascading node failures; and training deployed personnel to rapidly defend and restore networks and shut down intruders.

EXata/cyber Package

EXata/cyber’s main components include: a Graphical User Interface (Architect, Analyzer, File Editor), emulation kernel, Universal Protocol Adapter, Connection Manager, and Packet Sniffer and SNMP Agent. Also included is a library of protocol models for many types of networks and cyber capabilities.

EXata/cyber comes in two parts: the main EXata emulation engine that creates a digital replica of the user’s target network, and the Connection Manager that runs on their operational systems. Applications need no modification or customization to use the Connection Manager and run their network traffic over the EXata network. 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 multi-player games.

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. SAFs provide a rich environment to represent a full range of operations, systems, and control processes from entity up to brigade level. Using a standard interface like HLA/DIS, EXata/cyber can serve as the communications effects server for a SAF, providing realistic communications with cyber attack and defense.

Subject matter experts are available for media interviews.  Call or text Camille Cox, 805 391-0378 (mobile), camille@onrampcomm.com.

About Scalable Network Technologies

Scalable Network Technologies (SNT) is the leader in parallel processing technology for network performance evaluation. The company develops and supports high-fidelity evaluation software tools used for predicting the performance of computing and communications networks and network devices. SNT has created a new category of evaluation tools for today’s sophisticated networks that meets the demand for real-time, real-network performance testing.

The company’s customers include major aerospace and defense contractors, the US Department of Defense, mobile network operators, as well as research agencies and universities.

Founded in 1999 and based in Los Angeles, CA, Scalable Network Technologies is a privately owned corporation. VisNet, QualNet, and EXata are registered trademarks of Scalable Network Technologies, Inc.  More information on the company is available at http://www.scalable-networks.com.

Media Contact:

Camille Cox

OnRamp Communications

Office 805.497.6400

Mobile 805.391.0378

camille@onrampcomm.com