BE HEARD ON THE FRONT LINE

Transcription

1 BE HEARD ON THE FRONT LINE DEFENCE SOLUTIONS Unable To Talk Across Comms Devices Tactical operations require the flexibility for troops to communicate from remote locations, while on foot and in vehicles. In addition, they need to communicate across signalling platforms to maintain operational control PROBLEM Armed forces use a number of different communications platforms to provide them with complete operational coverage. Using an array of communications platforms introduces problems with interoperability between the radio platforms, especially when radios are from different vendors. In addition, they require the flexibility across deployment scenarios to provide optimal coverage. HOW WE SOLVE THE PROBLEM High Frequency (HF) radio is an integral part of a communications network, extending the reach of a conventional VHF / UHF network beyond the horizon. For tactical deployments into remote locations, HF provides the most robust and reliable means of communicating with base operations. Most importantly, it provides the flexibility needed to suit different deployment scenarios. HF radios are optimised for base, vehicle and manportable operations. Base station solutions are designed for fixed location deployments, acting as the communications command centre for deployed troops reporting back to headquarters. Base station accessories can be added to the radio for added data and crosspatch functionality as well as PC usage for and added antenna capability. For vehicles deployed to remote areas without communications infrastructure, HF radios can be installed to provide a link back to base. Added shock mounts protect radios installed in vehicles travelling in harsh environments while fast-tuning antennas provide maximum coverage. For deployment of troops on foot, a reliable and comfortable communications solution that links back to headquarters is essential. Codan Manpack HF radios are designed to be lightweight, rugged, are carried in ergonomically designed backpacks. The manpack s long battery life eliminates the need to carry heavy spare batteries. To ensure complete communications coverage for tactical operations, an interoperability solution across signalling platforms is required to ensure soldiers and units can communicate to carry out a mission. DEFENCE SOLUTIONS: Unable To Talk Across Comms Devices

2 The Codan RIOS is a quick deployable interoperability solution for all types of communications including radio, smartphones and computers, enabling a fully integrated communications network from anywhere in the world. Housed in a standalone FAA-compliant case, the Codan RIOS can be carried into the field of operation to allow a soldier to quickly interconnect disparate devices and configure interoperability via the intuitive interface. With support for all signalling platforms, including HF, VHF, UHF, 700/800 MHz, cellular and satellite phones, a Codan RIOS will enable all users to talk to each other and communicate seamlessly. For tactical operations, having every communications devices talking to each other provides a tactical advantage for operational control. DEFENCE SOLUTIONS: Unable To Talk Across Comms Devices

3 BE HEARD ON THE FRONT LINE DEFENCE SOLUTIONS No Comms For Remote Deployments High Frequency (HF) has long been relied on for secure long distance communications; however voice clarity and ease of use have been an issue. Advancements in HF technology have delivered cell-like clarity and usability, while providing robust and secure long distance communications for tactical operations. PROBLEM Tactical organisations deploy units into remote areas without infrastructure to support communications. To ensure tactical integrity, communications between unit commanders and headquarters is vital in order to track operations and report on progress; thus, communications must have the voice clarity to ensure soldiers are heard loud and clear. Current VHF and UHF tactical communications solutions lose coverage in black spots or are often out of range, while satellite solutions do not guarantee coverage and come with recurring expense. In the past, militaries and defence organisations have been hesitant to adopt HF. This is because analogue HF radio transmissions lacked voice clarity, suffering from hisses and crackles, which meant that the operator needed to listen hard which was often impractical in noisy and stressful operations. HOW WE SOLVE THE PROBLEM Recent developments in software defined radio (SDR) and HF optimised digital voice have eliminated the inherent clarity and usage problems with analogue HF. The SDR platform for HF provides ease of use through an icon based, colour screen handset that mimics the functionality of a smartphone, enabling a user to quickly and easily use the radio without intense training. Furthermore, advances in digital voice technology, specifically Codan s TWELP second generation digital voice, provide a voice quality experience that is similar to cellular phones. To ensure the security and integrity of communications, HF radios employ frequency hopping techniques that protect transmissions from malicious jamming and signal interception. Another layer of security is added through AES-256 encryption of transmissions to protect from third party monitoring. DEFENCE SOLUTIONS: No Comms For Remote Deployments

4 The additional benefit of a HF network for tactical operations is functionality for GPS support, enabling polling and the sending of GPS positions over air. With the use of mapping software, operational headquarters can graphically track the location of their radios, and consequently their personnel. In addition, through their interactive handset, personnel in the field can see their distance and bearing to other users on the network, able to track the progress of deployments in the area. For tactical operations that require ongoing operational support from headquarters, HF radios ensure soldiers can communicate back to base from remote locations with voice clarity that ensures orders are heard and operational updates received. Furthermore, the secure communications options for HF radios protect transmissions from interception and jamming, providing a reliable and secure communications link between soldiers in the field and headquarters. DEFENCE SOLUTIONS: No Comms For Remote Deployments

5 BE HEARD ON THE FRONT LINE DEFENCE SOLUTIONS HF Advantages Over Satellite With advancements in satellite availability, HF was becoming a least preferred option for communications in remote locations. The launch of Codan second generation Digital Voice and software defined radio platform has elevated HF beyond the capabilities, availability and clarity of satellite phone communications. PROBLEM The competing adjacent technology for HF radios is satellite phones. While, like HF, satellite provides an option for communications in remote areas, their differentiator has historically been one of voice quality over traditional analogue HF radio. HOW WE SOLVE THE PROBLEM With the introduction of the latest generation digital voice technology the capability gap between satellite and HF has closed up significantly. Digital voice over HF has no crackle or hiss just high clarity audio, meaning that inexperienced operators can clearly hear what is being said and it can be digitally encrypted to ensure the highest level of operational security. Vocoding rates, hence voice quality, are equivalent to satellite communications, at 2400 bps the difference is indiscernible. For the first time HF can be directly compared with satellite communications for voice quality and security. In addition to the audio clarity that HF provides, all voice traffic can be fully AES 256 encrypted and therefore an operator can freely discuss any operational matter without fear of breaching communications security (COMSEC). Another attractive aspect of HF is that it offers OH&S safety compliance using GPS location services for deployed personnel operating in remote areas, this is a clear benefit over satellite services. Importantly, HF has no ongoing costs and all data usage is free. Complex situations often can t be communicated by voice alone; HF provides the option to send images over the HF link to provide additional situational awareness. Unlike satellite, the data usage for images is not an additional cost and is not restricted by data usage limits. Another point for consideration is one of network ownership. With a HF network the owner has full sight of every aspect and is not dependent upon third party infrastructure as with satellite communication. This level of control is key when mission critical communications are involved. The control offered within a HF network also enables real time broadcast capability allowing the radios to be configured to a pre-set frequency. This results in calls being made without delay on analogue voice networks and only a small delay equivalent to a ring tone on digital networks. This level of configuration enables ease of use for all radio operators in the field. DEFENCE SOLUTIONS: HF Advantages Over Satellite

6 With remote communications the key requirement for satellite phones, their availability is volatile compared to HF. Satellites are renowned for their dead spots and service drop outs, furthermore there is no network of base stations and mobile HF radios to rely on. Thus, in an emergency, if there is no satellite coverage, there s no communicating. HF radios with digital voice on the other hand have been proven to provide a communications link in even the most challenging environments and conditions. The combination of HF and VHF on a communications network increases coverage strength by providing VHF PTT communications for short range transmission and HF over long distances. On a cost for service and setup comparison, HF has an initial higher outlay, however once setup, HF radio has no ongoing costs, compared to satellite phones which require an ongoing monthly subscription fee. Furthermore, HF networks can be connected to emergency providers to provide one-touch emergency response to the users location, without any additional cost. The additional benefit of a HF network for tactical operations is functionality for GPS support, enabling polling and the sending of GPS positions over air. With the use of mapping software, operational headquarters can graphically track the location of their radios, and consequently their personnel. In addition, through their interactive handset, personnel in the field can see their distance and bearing to other users on the network, able to track the progress of deployments in the area. For tactical operations that require ongoing operational support from headquarters, HF radios ensure soldiers can communicate back to base from remote locations with voice clarity that ensures orders are heard and operational updates received. Furthermore, the secure communications options for HF radios protect transmissions from interception and jamming, providing a reliable and secure communications link between soldiers in the field and headquarters. DEFENCE SOLUTIONS: HF Advantages Over Satellite