SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Technology Areas

Infrastructure and Network Systems

Communications Devices

Radar Systems

Software-Defined Radio

Digital Predisposition

Services

Consulting, Analysis, & Specification Development

Custom Design & Prototype Development

COTS Integration

Automated Instrumentation & Custom Test Systems

Reverse and Replacement Engineering

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SwRI developed this satellite communications-based remote incident monitoring system to provide response coordination and remote surveillance of natural and man-made disasters in rural areas.

Specific problems call for specific solutions, but when the most elegant solution to a problem is beyond the budget and schedule requirements, consider implementing a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) integrated solution. A COTS solution, which may satisfy most of the system requirements, will use existing technology and components to address different aspects of the problem.

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) engineers have experience working with many technologies in new and innovative ways and helping clients analyze requirements so they may decide if a COTS integrated solution will fulfill their requirements.

SwRI engineers have extensive expertise with:

	SwRI-developed LifeLink™ system, a hybrid network system using COTS wireless components.

Niche Application COTS System Design

SwRI engineers have developed hybrid network systems utilizing COTS wireless components with various video compression and embedded / stand alone computer platforms. These systems addressed complex requirements and have operated in extremely harsh environments. Pictured at the right is the LifeLink™ system.

Mobile Communication Research

SwRI engineers have evaluated and critiqued advanced prototypes of Mobile IP hardware appliances analyzing the protocols and making recommendations for specific applications. In addition, they have researched advanced satellite, cellular, and wireless Ethernet components and systems for mobile video applications. They have investigated ways of extending field network coverage utilizing various wireless components.

SwRI engineers have evaluated and critiqued advanced prototypes of Mobile IP hardware appliances analyzing the protocols and making recommendations for specific applications.

Low-Cost Video Distribution System Design

Several factors affect the constraints

If COTS solutions alone fail to meet client requirements, SwRI provides a seamless integration using custom interfaces, software, and packaging.

placed upon network and system design. Utilizing COTS technology helps to mitigate the design cost. In addition, careful selection of components can maximize the benefits of the video that is distributed across the network. SwRI engineers have experience designing low cost video distribution networks, compromising as little as possible on transport performance and video quality.

Examples of Network System

COTS Design Projects

For more information about network system COTS design capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Mark Moczygemba at mmoczygemba@swri.org or (210) 522-3463.

| Communications and Embedded Systems Department | Automation and Data Systems Division | SwRI Home |

Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.

September 30, 2008