IDI-Systems has announced the ACRE Network eXperimentation Framework (NXF), a software-defined RF network simulation framework for testing, validating, and iterating on networked RF systems without deploying physical hardware. Born out of the ACRE Phase II SBIR, NXF is already in active use by defense contractors and military programs developing next-generation networked systems.
NXF is the simulation and testing pillar of ACRE — the Advanced Combat Radio Environment — IDI-Systems' platform for modeling, emulating, and testing RF communications. The framework replaces racks of physical radios and RF channel emulators with containerized virtual modems that run anywhere Docker does: on a laptop, a test server, or a cloud instance.
The framework is built around three integrated components. Virtual Modems provide extensible, containerized RF modem emulations with configurable channel simulation, bit error rate modeling, rate limiting, MANET mesh networking, and real-time analytics. A Networked IPC layer couples virtual modems to 3D simulation engines like Unreal Engine across machines, labs, or cloud instances with low-latency encrypted data channels and APIs in C++, Python, and C. A custom Docker Network Plugin makes integration transparent — existing containerized applications communicate over emulated RF links with zero code changes.
NXF's MANET mesh networking stack includes beacon-based peer discovery, cost-based multi-hop routing, block acknowledgments for high-throughput transfers, adaptive QoS, and dynamic topology support. The RF channel simulation supports configurable per-source bit error rates, multi-band operation across L-Band, S-Band, and C-Band, modulation models from BPSK to 16-PSK, and frame-level encryption with anti-replay protection.
Programs are already using NXF to support manned-unmanned teaming communication links, combat vehicle RF network validation, hardware down-selection through virtual modem emulation, and shift-left test strategies that move RF network testing earlier in the development cycle.
IDI-Systems is an engineering research and development company focused on RF communications, software engineering, IT solutions, space/aerospace, and defense. Headquartered in Seattle, WA, its goal is to bring the best engineering talent worldwide to solve complex problems and develop innovative solutions for its customers.