Tactical Radios Beyond-Line-of-Sight Waveform Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G communication systems face limitations in contested theaters due to the capability of near-peer enemies to deny the 5G waveform, making them unusable in such environments, despite the use of external end-to-end encryption and zero-trust networking.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes tactical radios configured to communicate using both line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight waveforms, allowing for bidirectional communication between tactical radios and user equipment, which can relay messages through a network of tactical radios to establish connections with base stations even when cellular communication is denied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 5G communication systems are used with external end-to-end encryption and zero-trust networking, then security is improved, but reliability in contested environments deteriorates due to waveform denial capability
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into multiple independent communication pathways: primary 5G cellular waveform and secondary tactical waveform. Each pathway can operate independently, allowing the system to switch between them if one is denied or jammed. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by ensuring that denial of one pathway does not compromise overall communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Tactical radios serve as intermediary devices that can relay communications between users and the network when direct 5G cellular communication is denied. These intermediaries provide alternative routing paths through unsecured networks, maintaining communication reliability even when the primary waveform is compromised by denial capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If single-waveform communication is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to contested environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system implements multi-functionality by integrating multiple waveform capabilities within a single device architecture. Tactical radios can operate on both 5G cellular waveforms and alternative tactical waveforms, providing universal communication capability across different environments. This resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability without requiring completely separate communication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different communication waveforms based on environmental conditions and availability. When 5G cellular is available, it uses that waveform; when denied or jammed, it automatically transitions to tactical waveforms. This dynamic adaptation provides environmental versatility while managing complexity through automated selection rather than manual configuration.
3Reliability
If redundant communication pathways are implemented, then reliability in contested environments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the redundancy function from complex network infrastructure and implements it at the device level through tactical radios. Instead of requiring complex network-wide redundancy systems, each tactical radio independently maintains backup communication capabilities, simplifying the overall architecture while providing reliable backup pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
Tactical radios autonomously manage their own communication pathways and redundancy without requiring complex centralized control. Each device independently monitors signal quality, detects denial conditions, and switches waveforms on its own, reducing the complexity of coordination required across the network while maintaining high reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Cellular communications, such as 5G cellular, may be a primary link between cell phones and a base station (102). Such cellular communications may be desirable, due to a high link rate. When the cellular communications are denied, a tactical waveform may be used to bridge communications between the cell phones and the base station. The tactical waveform may be transmitted between tactical radios coupled with the cell phones. The waveform may include a line-of-sight waveform. The tactical waveform may also include a beyond-line-of-sight waveform.