Network Communications Analysis
Abstract
In a contested environment, especially when conducting forward operations, platforms face a significant electronic warfare threat. The primary threat is from advanced jamming, signal collection, and geolocation techniques that are rapidly evolving to become more capable and agile. DoD advances in smart sensors and weapons demand robust tactical waveforms and networks with greater capacity but lower cost than communication links of today. The Future Autonomous Battlespace Radio Frequency with Integrated Communications (FABRIC) program is developing next generation communications layer architecture for tactical networks for operations in anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) threat environments. This architecture will deliver capacity and affordability to enable future smart sensors and smart weapons. The network architecture is flexible enough to support Commander’s Intent in any mission, environment, operating tactical platform, and weapon system under various threat conditions. FABRIC’s efforts focus on developing the advanced component technologies, such as Anti-Jam (AJ), Low Probability of Intercept(LPI), Low Probability of Detection (LPD), and Low Probability of Exploitation (LPE) waveforms; adaptive processing algorithms; adaptive antenna technologies (transmit/receive/nulling); adaptive power control; Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA)/Dynamic Spectrum Management (DSM) techniques; self-healing mechanisms and cyber hardening; and advanced routing to ensure Quality of Service. The guiding tenets for creating this new Command, Control, Communications, Computers, & Intelligence (C4I) capability encompass enabling new missions, i.e. providing resilient tactical data links, communications and networking “service level” capabilities, interoperation, cost (affordable), and improved performance in terms of military value. Based on the developed thresholds and objectives for the required network architecture, the specific advanced component technologies were prioritized and form the foundation of the FABRIC design. Through simulation and field experimentation, FABRIC is verifying the technology in operationally relevant environments against representative threats, and facilitates the migration and transition of these technologies to service platforms, radios, and other combat mission systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2020
- Source ID
- 663_0603662D8Z_3_0400_PB_2020
Related Documents
- Root: Networked Communications Capability
- Child Accomplishment: Future Autonomous Battlespace RF with Integrated Communications (FABRIC)