This section will explain how to access the Silvus StreamCaster GUI for optional changes.
All Silvus radios come preconfigured and are ready for immediate use. Changing the settings is recommended only for advanced users.
Each Silvus radio modem has a dedicated IP address consisting of four octets separated by periods. For example 172.20.123.123.
The individual IP address of each Silvus StreamCaster is marked on the back of the radio module.
To access the Silvus StreamCaster GUI, ensure that the Toughbook is connected to the Silvus StreamCaster and both units are powered on.
On the Toughbook, open a browser. In the address bar, enter the IP address of the radio modem and press Enter.
If you encounter issues with the Google Chrome browser while using the GUI, try switching to an incognito window, which may help resolve the problem.
The battery level of the radio modem is displayed in the top right corner of the GUI's menu bar.
Critical battery levels are indicated by the radio modem's LED. For more information, please refer to the following section.
After a few seconds, the browser should display the Silvus StreamCaster GUI. Navigate to the tab Local Radio Configuration -> RF -> Basic to access the basic radio frequency settings. Here, you can configure parameters such as Frequency, Bandwidth, and Total Transmission Power.
To ensure proper functionality, all changes must be applied to both the handheld radio and the DeltaQuad Evo. To save and apply changes to both devices, make sure they are powered on and connected. Selecting SAVE AND APPLY TO NETWORK will store the changes in both devices, preserving them even after a reboot. Using APPLY will only apply the changes temporarily until the next reboot.
The DeltaQuad Evo Tactical includes an Interference Avoidance License. In areas with RF jamming, the system will employ frequency hopping to maintain the strongest possible link. The frequency set in the Basic Configuration acts as the starting point for the system's operation.
Under the tab Network Management -> Network Topology, you can view the individual nodes along with their signal strength.
Under the tab Security -> Encryption, you can configure the security keys.
During factory setup, we generate random keys that are not stored for security reasons. When changing these keys, ensure you save and apply the changes to both the handheld radio and the DeltaQuad Evo.
Under the tab Security -> White/Black List, you can create either a white list or a black list. A black list can block specific nodes from accessing the network, while a white list specifies which nodes are allowed to access the network.
For more information, please follow this link.
The following section explains how to change the encryption settings for the Silvus radio network.
This guide will help you configure the encryption settings for the Silvus radios in the DeltaQuad Evo Tactical to meet your needs. Following these steps will ensure secure communication and protect your data from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
The Silvus radio in the DeltaQuad Evo Tactical comes with encryption enabled by default. DeltaQuad uses randomized encryption keys that are not recorded. It is the operator's responsibility to modify the radio encryption to meet the specific operational requirements.
Encryption is crucial for securing data transmitted between drones and ground stations. It protects sensitive information, such as video feeds and control commands, from unauthorized access. By employing encryption, you can guard against cyber threats, eavesdropping, and tampering, thereby maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of your communications.
The DeltaQuad Evo Tactical supports several encryption protocols, each offering varying levels of security:
AES 56-bit
AES 128-bit
AES 256-bit
These protocols utilize Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), with higher bit numbers providing stronger security. For instance, AES-256 is highly recommended for the highest level of security.
Access the Configuration Interface:
Connect to the Silvus radio through a web browser using the radio's IP address. A connection guide can be found here.
Navigate to the Security Settings:
Locate the security settings tab and click on Encryption.
Select the Encryption Protocol:
Choose the desired AES encryption level (56, 128, or 256-bit) from the dropdown menu or selection box.
Generate a Wrapping and HMAC key and input Encryption key:
Click on the respective fields to generate a Wrapping and HMAC key. The system does not store these keys for security reasons. They are randomly generated based on the chosen encryption method.
Click on the field to input the Encryption key. Enter your encryption key, ensuring it meets the protocol requirements for length and complexity. The system does not store this key for security reasons.
Save and Apply Settings:
After configuring the encryption settings, ensure that you save and apply these settings not only on the device you are currently configuring but also across the entire network. This means applying and saving the settings for all radios, both ground and air units, to ensure uniform encryption across all communication links.
Testing and Verification:
Perform a communication test to ensure that the encryption is working correctly. Verify that data transmission is secure and that there are no connectivity issues.
Additional Considerations
Random Key Generation: The system can generate random keys based on the encryption method, enhancing security by preventing predictable patterns.
Non-Storage of Keys: For cybersecurity, encryption keys are not stored. This practice mitigates the risk of unauthorized access to the keys.
Regularly update and manage encryption settings to adapt to evolving security needs and maintain robust protection against cyber threats.
