System and method for configuring a software radio

In a software defined radio (“SDR”) comprising multiple link-layered communication protocols, a method for configuring the SDR, the improvement comprising retrieving configuration instructions from a smartcard containing a specific configuration, wherein said configuration instructions includes at least a security authorization, and selecting multiple link-layered communication protocols as a function of a user's security authorization.

A software defined radio comprising a RF Section, a IF section and a baseband section, wherein the IF section and the baseband sections are programmable, a plurality of software modules containing programs for the IF section and the baseband section, the improvement comprising a smart card reader, wherein information retrieved by the smart card reader designates the respective programs for the IF section and the baseband section, and wherein said information is a function of service requirements, mission requirements and security status of a user.

A method for configuring a radio with software for communicating in a wireless environment, the method comprising the steps of:

• receiving configuration information from a smart card in communication with the radio;
• configuring the radio in accordance with the configuration information and verifying current validity of the smart card from the configuration information, said configuration information allowing the radio to communicate in the wireless environment, wherein said configuration information includes security authorization and mission requirements of a user.