RIT and Harris Corp. Team Up to Enhance Communication Security

Rochester Institute of Technology and Harris Corp. have entered into a collaborative agreement to further the development of encrypted Bluetooth communication technology for use in tactical military radio applications.

“Bluetooth technology allows for the communication of various devices on a wireless network,” notes Marcin Lukowiak, RIT assistant professor of computer engineering and principle investigator on the project. “Our research with Harris will improve the use of Bluetooth communications between wireless peripherals without compromising security requirements necessary for encrypted communication.”

"We are excited by the prospects for this technology, and RIT’s Corporate R&D Program provides an ideal collaborative relationship between the institute and Harris Corp.,” adds Mike Kurdziel, senior engineering manager for the Harris RF Secure Communications Development group.

The project will expand the use of secure Bluetooth communication with multiple devices that can be modified in the field, enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of communication systems. Researchers will then be able to integrate these platforms with communication networks used by the military and national security organizations.

The year-long project also includes Andreas Savakis, head of RIT’s department of computer engineering, and graduate computer engineering students Ken Smith and Jacob Czapeczka.

The collaboration is a component of RIT’s Corporate R&D program, which allows company partners to retain intellectual property generated during the project in exchange for a flat fee. It seeks to enhance industry/university partnerships, reduce time to market regarding the commercialization of technologies developed at RIT and expand the research capabilities available to industry at large. For more information visit www.rit.edu/research/corporate/.