Armada’s monthly roundup of all the latest news in the military communications product, programme and operational domains.
New Nokia tactical 5G networking
Nokia has unveiled the latest member of its Banshee tactical radio family. Known as the 5G Banshee Flex Radio the system uses fifth generation (5G) cellular protocols. Previous Banshee tactical radios used fourth generation (4G) cellular standards.
The company stated in a press release that the 5G Banshee Flex Radio can be deployed to provide a tactical 5G network over the battlefield. Troops can then use their 5G devices to connect to this network, and to each other. By enabling 5G communications, the radio provides “advanced edge compute capabilities, mesh networking, band flexibility, operational security and deployment simplicity,” according to the press release. Moreover, the radio “delivers unparalleled 5G throughput with 100 (megahertz) carriers and extreme operational range with multiple power options.”
Nokia told Armada, via a written statement, that the 5G Banshee Flex Radio supports legacy 4G communications. The company continued that data rates of 800 megabits-per-second are achievable. The 5G Banshee Flex Radio provides 5G coverage across a seven-kilometre (4.4 mile) radius. Power output levels of between five watts/W and 20W per transmission port are available.
Regarding customers, the company said it is “actively working with defence ministries and other strategic partners on the deployment of the 5G Banshee Flex Radio. While we are not able to disclose specific customers … we are focused on meeting the secure and flexible 5G needs of mission-critical applications.”
by Dr. Thomas Withington
