100G Ethernet Switch Enhances Secure C5ISR & Electronic Warfare Systems

Pacific Defense has introduced the SWH1530VP, a next-generation dual-enclave 100/40 Gigabit Ethernet switch built to provide secure, deterministic, and high-performance networking for modern defense and edge computing applications.

The new 3U VPX module aligns with SOSA, CMOSS, and OpenVPX standards, making it optimized for deployment across air, land, and maritime platforms. It addresses growing requirements for secure multi-domain mission systems by integrating independent Data Plane and Control Plane Ethernet switch fabrics. This architecture supports up to 100 Gbps networking while maintaining physical separation between security enclaves, which simplifies system integration and certification efforts for high-bandwidth sensor processing, mission computing, communications, and electronic warfare applications within a common open architecture framework.

Built on Ethernet switching technology from Marvell’s Prestera Aldrin2 and Ironman device families, the platform delivers advanced standards-based networking capabilities. These include various Layer 2/Layer 3 switching protocols such as static and dynamic routing, Quality of Service (QoS), VLAN support with tagging and port mirroring, multicast with IGMP snooping support, IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP), and integrated MACsec security acceleration for link-layer security and enhanced authentication. The module is also designed to support future Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) capabilities through software enhancements to enable deterministic networking for increasingly complex systems.

“The SWH1530VP addresses a critical need for secure, high-performance networking in modern mission systems where multiple security domains, high-speed data movement, and precise timing must coexist within an open architecture framework,” said Pedja Mitrovic, VP of Modular Products at Pacific Defense. “By combining dual-enclave operation, 100 Gigabit networking, advanced security features, and SOSA/CMOSS alignment, the SWH1530VP enables system integrators to accelerate deployment of next-generation C5ISR, EW, and edge-computing capabilities while reducing integration risk and lifecycle costs.”

To ensure reliable operation in demanding military environments, the hardware is compliant with ANSI/VITA 48.2 VPX REDI conduction cooling and VITA 47 environmental standards. This compliance supports broad interoperability across an ecosystem of open systems hardware and software solutions for both commercial and defense applications. Key technical specifications include support for 100GBASE-KR4, 40GBASE-KR4, 10GBASE-KR, and 1000BASE-KX Ethernet connectivity, alongside auto-negotiation support and IEEE 1588 PTP Transparent Clock functionality for precision timing applications.