MODERNIZING THE NETWORK
rapidly transports the critical data needed to increase lethality and win future wars.
We must view the entire network from the top and then optimize at the individual program levels to ensure integration and cohesiveness. Together we are working toward a common design and standards for our network transport layer to ensure that the development and acquisition of new technologies is integrated and unified.
One of the biggest challenges for the Army is its sheer size. It takes time to field capability across all three components— active Army, Army Reserve and the Army National Guard. So we have to be forward-thinking and look at future tech- nologies years ahead of their availability, and ensure that we are collectively making wise decisions early on, so we don’t waste
time and funding. As we start to lay the track for future trains not yet built, the one-network vision becomes even more critical.
Walker: What are some of those new tech- nologies you will be looking at in the next five years?
Coile: With the ever-increasing demand for bandwidth and application perfor- mance, our focus for the near future is to find the best solutions that take advantage of pivotal game-changing technolo- gies, such as the low-Earth orbit (LEO) and medium-Earth orbit (MEO) satel- lite constellations, and integrating those capabilities into the tactical network of the future. LEO and MEO solutions will be a huge leap forward. Tere are some initial commercial MEO satellites already
No matter what organization you are assigned to, we are all working toward a common goal—a single, unified network.
in use today. A few initial LEO satellites and prototypes have been launched, but that is expected to significantly increase as this technology continues to improve and more customers develop the ability to leverage it.
PLENTY OF BANDWIDTH
These Transportable Tactical Command Communications terminals are one example of the many Army systems that rely on satellites to let Soldiers communicate and connect to the internet in remote locations. (U.S. Army photo by Amy Walker, PM Tactical Network/PEO C3T Public Affairs)
Compared to larger traditional geosyn- chronous satellites that most people are familiar with, these smaller LEO and MEO satellites travel closer to Earth and are launched in greater numbers. Each MEO constellation can contain more than a dozen MEO satellites, and LEO constellations could have more than 100 of the even smaller LEO satellites orbit- ing the globe. The natural resiliency that comes with having many satellites is important for the Army for transport diversity in a contested environment and helps improve the on-the-move capability of satellite communications. However, the most important benefits we anticipate will be the significant increase in bandwidth and the lower latency. Te signals don’t have to travel as far to get to the satellite, so there is more radiated power available
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Army AL&T Magazine
Summer 2019
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