National cyber range rapidly emulates complex networks

Realistically and quickly replicating globally interconnected networks to securely test new cyber tools and capabilities is no longer an issue for cyber researchers thanks to the DARPA-developed National Cyber Range (NCR). The NCR, which transitioned in October to the Test Resource Management Center under the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Developmental Test and Evaluation, provides a secure, self-contained facility where complex defense and commercial networks can be rapidly emulated for cost-effective and timely validation of cyber technologies.

Seven large-scale cyber experiments for multiple DoD organizations were executed on the range during a one-year beta operation phase that ended this month.  

Key benefits of the NCR are the speed with which the range can be re-configured, the diversity of the networks that can be emulated, and the flexibility to handle multiple activities simultaneously at different classification levels. Given the dynamic nature of real-world cyber threats, providing fast-turnaround time for experimentation and analysis is vital.

The NCR provides a broad range of uses, such as advanced cyber research and development of new capabilities, analysis of malware, cyber training and exercises and secure cloud computing and storage architecture, among others.