Defense technology and communications

Why are private wireless broadband networks essential for defense communications?

Today’s defense forces rely on wireless networks build for military-grade voice communications, which are insufficient for data-intensive applications needed for intelligent, mission-critical operations at smart military bases, navy task forces, forward operations and battlefields.

The solution is to modernize your transport communication network with private wireless broadband. Next generation 4G/LTE and 5G mobile broadband technologies provide ultra-reliable networks, capable of supporting most mission-critical applications. These technologies already power numerous business- and mission-critical Industry 4.0 applications. 

Whether improving logistics, training, maintenance, base or border security, healthcare services, sharing real-time video or remotely controlling unmanned systems, 4G/LTE and 5G can enhance situational awareness and operational excellence for defense forces. 

State-of-the-art commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies, with some adaptation, deliver the reliability, security and performance needed for new defense applications. They also streamline the underlying telecom infrastructure, increasing efficiencies and enabling multi-domain operations. 

5G is the first wireless technology to deliver the capacity, reliability, control and security necessary to replace wired networks. Designed to meet the networking needs of industrial, military and government sectors, 5G supports time-sensitive automated processes and vast numbers of low-power IoT sensors and devices.

Coordinate operations with efficiency

5G for defense delivers end-to-end reliability, security and scalability essential for military operations. It supports video communications and data intensive applications in the battlefield, enhancing situational awareness and coordination of personnel and assets. With 5G, you can also conduct military border control and natural disaster recovery operations more efficiently and synchronously. 

With adaptions to match the specific requirements, of tactical edge communications system, in term of size, security, anti-jamming and survivability, 4G/LTE/5G wireless networks can power new services for both mounted and dismounted soldiers, enhancing the battlefield of things and improving forces’ situational awareness.

This smart base combines 5G wireless with industrial IoT (IIoT) and artificial intelligence-powered analytics to:
 

• Accelerate ship-to-shore communications and data transfers
• Support greater use of autonomous vehicles
• Strengthen security systems
• Deliver more advanced, realistic training
• Track asset locations
• Consolidate command and control information

• Enhance command-and-control operations
• Automate base operations, logistics and maintenance
• Improve base security
• Provide immersive training
• Enhance military health services with telemedicine
• Better manage disasters and emergencies

Preparing your strategic backbone networks for massive defense digitalization

As digital transformation accelerates and service models decentralize, the data traffic demands on defense WANs have surged beyond their current capabilities. These legacy networks, often outdated and fragmented, are costly to maintain and complex to manage. Modernizing defense WANs has become a critical priority.

Future digital defense services will require unprecedented levels of automation and flexibility to support efficient 5G and native-cloud service delivery. The solution lies in replacing multiple legacy networks with a single, scalable IP/MPLS transport network. This transformation will reduce operational costs while ensuring the highest reliability and resilience – from aggregation to the network core – supported by robust defense-grade cybersecurity measures.

The next generation of defense strategic backbone networks demands enhanced traffic management flexibility and robust security solutions. They must facilitate cross-layer network management, end-to-end optimization and seamless migration from legacy TDM to IP-based applications. These networks will connect military bases, headquarters and data centers, ensuring they are:

• Reliable
• Resilient
• Flexible
• Scalable
• Secure

Defense organizations are turning to 5G and distributed cloud infrastructures to achieve these goals. By adopting this approach, they are poised to establish strategic backbone networks that are essential for military success in the cloud-native 5G era.