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 WIN-T
is the fundamental communications network developed for current/modular
and Future Forces, providing the tactical and mobile enterprise
network from theater through battalion and down to the Land
Warrior squad. While existing networks support command posts
on the halt, WIN-T will extend its services to all forces, while
stationary and on the move. The system integrates satellite
and line of sight waveforms providing capacity and efficiency
over current transmission systems. General Dynamics, the prime
contractor for WIN-T displayed various elements of the program.
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WIN-T will provide the basis for the FCS LandWarNet, but also
support current and modular forces. The network operations policies
will enable users to maintain communications under difficult
conditions, enable network planners to tailor the system to
address evolving requirements and conditions. Utilizing distributed
network agents (DNA) embedded within all subscribers, the network
will be able to proactively configure itself to establish links
to each unit and automatically maintain a dynamic network throughout
the theater of operation without soldier's intervention. When
required, the commander can ask to "thicken" a particular
region of the network, to ensure consistent coverage in a specific
maneuver space. Network Operations also provides dynamic health
monitoring for the system, predicting connectivity to mobile
elements and recommending proactive action to maintain and improve
such links. Services tested during recent experiments including
the use of teleconferencing, cellular network services over
WIN-T.
As users are relying on video and images, broadband connectivity
becomes an essential service at all echelons. Providing wide-band
connectivity to mobile and dismounted users still poses a technical
challenge, requiring special terminals. Satellite On The Move
(SOTM) capability requires a SATCOM terminal to maintain communications
with the satellite, while on the move. This is achieved by stabilizing
the antenna or utilizing electronic wave forming mechanism.
Various antenna systems are being proposed for this application.
One such system is the TracVision family from KVH. It uses
gyro stabilized pedestal to keep the antenna pointing to a satellite.
Originally designed for commercial Direct Broadcast Services
(DBS) Ku band television services the system is designed as
a low-profile antenna and is used for receive only. The company's
TracPhone systems employing Inmarsat services, are providing
up to 128 kbps in uplink and downlink.
General Dynamics C4ISR systems demonstrated the WIN-T
POP Warfighter Information Network Terminal (WIN-T) Point
of Presence (PoP) kit, an integrated set of systems enabling
every command vehicle to hook up with the future WIN over Ku
(commercial) or Ka (military) SATCOM links, at data rates of
64 to 512 Kb/s.
The U.S. Marine Corps are also evaluating On the Move / Over
the Horizon (OTM/OTH) capabilities for deployable maneuver elements,
providing command and control elements with efficient, broadband
connectivity for voice and data communications. The M2C2
systems, designed by Raytheon is comprised of an integrated
communications suite carried on a HMMWV, and transportable with
a single UH-60 class helicopter.
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