The United States Air Force’s (USAF’s) Global Strike Command is deepening its levels of connectivity with the acquisition of transportable 5G cellular communications networks.
Fifth generation (5G) cellular communications protocols promise increases in data rates and the number of subscribers hosted on individual networks than currently possible with existing 4G standards. Details on the advantages and disadvantages of 5G can be found here. The advent of 5G comes at an opportune moment for the USAF and the US Department of Defence (DOD) in general. The latter is embracing the Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) philosophy. MDO stresses the inter- and intra-force connectivity of all military assets (personnel, platforms, weapons, sensors, bases and capabilities) at all levels of war. The goal of MDO is to facilitate simultaneous, synchronous operations. Multi-Domain Operations aim to improve the pace and quality of military decision making vis-à-vis that of the enemy. MDO places a premium on the timely and efficient movement of data between military assets. Data carriage in turn depends on robust, redundant and survivable communications. 5G is thus a welcome addition to existing US and DOD communications capabilities.
Transportable 5G network
In July news emerged that the USAF Global Strike Command is moving ahead with the acquisition of its first transportable 5G network, dubbed the T Node. The T,designed and manufactured by SEMPRE enables partner software applications like Instant Connect‘s bridging software to facilitate the connection of disparate 5G-compatible devices to the network.
According to a press release announcing the news, the transportable 5G network includes an enterprise-level data centre and Satellite Communications (SATCOM) gateway. Both these components are housed within a single enclosure to protect them from the destructive effects of the Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP). EMPs occur when a nuclear weapon is detonated. Electromagnetic pulses can have destructive effects on unshielded electronics across a large area. As well as using SATCOM for communications backhaul, the transportable 5G network can employ fibre optic and free space optics links. Handheld radios, smartphones and computers can connect to the 5G network using internet protocol standards. This connectivity is facilitated using the Instant Connect Mobile software application.
Hiding in plain sight
Rob Spalding, SEMPRE’s chief executive officer, told Armada that these 5G nodes can be used as in a fixed or mobile capacity as well as being transportable. He adds that the T Node can be activated by a single person, and be operating and providing a network in around five minutes. Usefully, the network can host hybrid cloud and cloud management software. Users can thus access applications at the touch of a button. Mr. Spalding says that the 5G network, which operates in the sub-six gigahertz waveband, will soon benefit from a mesh capability to link with other networks: “This will allow customers to create larger coverage areas by linking nodes together,” he says. “The intent is to transform how infrastructure is deployed and get around the painful permitting process that goes along with large, power-hungry, expensive and complex macro towers.”
Each 5G network node provides coverage across a circa five-kilometre (three-mile) radius. Furthermore, the nodes do not require a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal to operate. Not needing GNSS ensures “service is not lost when jamming is present.” Electronic protection has been built into the architecture and “the 5G network will operate through jamming, and in the future will be able to operate simultaneously in waveforms other than 5G.”
Another useful attribute of the T Node is that, as a 5G network, it can ‘disappear’ in the ether amidst civilian fifth-generation networks. Mr. Spalding says that this allows the T Node to “hide in plain sight by running private secure resilient networks over the top of public networks.” Two T Nodes have already been delivered to Global Strike Command. Additional deliveries are expected in the future.
by Dr. Thomas Withington
