RTX to create mobile ad hoc networks under $6.6 million contract with DoD
RTX company BBN is developing soldier communications over the 5G system. (Image: Raytheon)
RTX's BBN division will lead the development of Opportunistic eXtemporarY 5G Encrypted Network (OXYGEN), enabling forward-deployed service members to communicate directly using 5G technology without complex infrastructures.
OXYGEN capability is being developed under a contract with the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering's (OUSD (R&E’s) FutureG and 5G Office with a potential value of $6.6million over two years. It aims to connect a minimum of 20 pieces of user equipment by taking advantage of 5G's sidelink technology, while securely enabling the transmission of data at 100Mbps.
Piggybacking sensitive information over commercial infrastructure requires additional layers of security and mesh networking on top of relay links and this will be a key component of the OXYGEN effort. Importantly this system allows for multicast traffic instead of simple peer-to-peer communication.
Dr Daniel Massey, programme lead for the FutureG & 5G Office's Operate Through team said: "Why shouldn't we use existing communications infrastructure as well?’
‘Access to a 5G MANET allows us to move from single-digit megabit per second individual data sharing, for ground soldiers to 100 times more throughput, which will enable sharing more high-resolution video and imagery.’
You may also like
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s]()
Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s
Clavister CyberArmour, an integrated defence cybersecurity system, will be used on BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 platform in deployments with a Scandinavian country, as well as in an eastern European nation.
-
![Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch]()
Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch
The tactical satellite (TacSat) is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system and will participate in exercises in 2025.
-
![AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family]()
AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family
The airborne three-domain, the two ground-based and the ¼ ATR OpenVPX-based cross-domain systems were engineered to provide real-time security across multi-domain operations.
-
![BAE Systems gets go-ahead for second phase of mission communications programme]()
BAE Systems gets go-ahead for second phase of mission communications programme
DARPA’s Mission-Integrated Network Control (MINC) programme was set up to develop an autonomous tactical network and enable critical data flow in contested environments.
-
![Just Released: Space Technology Report]()
Just Released: Space Technology Report
Why space is an essential part of modern military capabilities
-
![Work-from-home warfare: the power of mixed reality]()
Work-from-home warfare: the power of mixed reality
Defence-secure mixed reality headsets can save hours, or even weeks, of travel time to fix defunct equipment or get subject experts effectively “on-site” where they are needed.
