Bittium’s software-defined radio and IP-based solutions provide a high-performance network for next-generation tactical communications.
In the ever-evolving landscape of military operations, tactical communications is a critical component that can mean the difference between mission success and failure. In this environment, systems based on software-defined radio (SDR) and Voice over IP (VoIP) provide a flexible and interoperable solution for effective command and control of the troops.
As a forerunner in tactical communications, Bittium supports militaries with high-performance products and systems that provide a seamless communications architecture across the battlefield. Bittium’s solutions form a significant part of the modern C5 systems of the Finnish Defence Forces, Austrian Armed Forces, and Estonian Defence Forces, for example.
Meeting the requirement of real-time situational awareness in large-scale combat
The backbone for the seamless communications architecture is built with Bittium’s Tactical Wireless IP Network, also known as TAC WIN. With the modular SDR-based system, MANET (mobile ad hoc network), link, and connection networks can be formed into one logical IP network quickly, no matter what the location is. In addition, the network is mobile which is essential for maintaining the agility and effectiveness of military forces in complex environments. TAC WIN has been designed to support large-scale combat operations with Bittium OLSR MANET routing capabilities which can also be used with wired LAN, SHDSL or fiber optic connections.
The broadband TAC WIN Waveform provides the foundation for the high-performance and low latency network. The waveform supports several services, such as Multicasting and QoS and provides a reliable development platform for upcoming applications.
The TAC WIN Waveform also provides interoperability with the next-generation and secure Bittium Tough SDR soldier and vehicular radios that extend the communications architecture to the frontline troops. Both TAC WIN and Tough SDR platforms, as well as the versatile Bittium Tough Comnode device, support the same routing protocol and Bittium’s Tough VoIP Service that enables highly resilient voice communications across the seamless network.
Multi-domain and coalition interoperability
TAC WIN and Tough SDR enable connecting different areas of the battlefield as well as broadband communications between different branches of the military, for example multi-domain operations on land and at sea. The TAC WIN backbone network at land can be extended for naval use cases on the coastline by selecting the optimal TAC WIN Radio Heads for the purpose. The network extends further to lower echelons with Tough SDR radios using the same TAC WIN Waveform. The optimized Bittium OLSR MANET routing is supported by all the radios and wired connections.
Interoperability is extended also beyond national defense forces. NATO coalition troops achieve joint communications with the ESSOR High Data Rate Waveform (EHDRWF) and Bittium’s Tough SDR radios. The EHDRWF was adopted as a standard by NATO in October 2023 (STANAG 5651) as well as by the Federated Mission Networking as a preferred waveform for radio interoperability during operation.
Of the ESSOR participating states (Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain), Finland was one of the first countries to successfully complete national approval tests with Bittium’s Tough SDR radios. In addition to Bittium, members of the a4ESSOR consortium responsible for the development of the waveform include Indra (Spain), Leonardo (Italy), Radmor (Poland), Rohde & Schwarz (Germany), and Thales (France).
Learn more about Bittium’s solutions enabling the seamless communications architecture across the battlefield here.
