MANET (mobile ad hoc network) radio technology allows communications networks to be set up without existing infrastructure. This makes it ideal for a wide range of military and defense situations, as there is no need to move and set up fixed transmitter sites, saving significant time, money and manpower
Each MANET radio acts as a node, and is capable of routing traffic, including voice and data, to any other node in the network. MANET technology incorporates dynamic routing, meaning that data will always be able to find its intended destination even if nodes are added to or lost from the network. As there is no single point of failure, the decentralized nature of MANETs makes the network highly robust and reliable.
TSYS10xx High Data Rate MANET Radio by Triad RF Systems
Military MANET radios may be deployed for communications by a wide range of users, including:
MANET technologies enable a variety of different applications and missions, including regular voice communications, drone swarms and manned-unmanned teaming, ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance), and fire control.
MANET radios may transmit on UHF (ultra-high frequency), VHF (very high frequency) or HF (high frequency). VHF and UHF can handle larger amounts of data throughput, but are limited by line-of-sight range. HF radios may be able to bounce communications off the ionosphere to provide beyond line-of-sight capabilities, but offer much lower bandwidth and require larger antennas.
Tactical MANET radios may come in a variety of form factors, including embedded radios for drones and robotics, and man-portable systems for dismounted troops. They may be ruggedized to protect against dust and water, shock and vibration, and extremes of temperature. They may also offer built-in encryption to prevent mission-critical data and voice communications from being intercepted.
Mesh networking provides the underlying structure that enables MANET nodes to be utilized to their full potential. Using the principles of mesh networking, MANET nodes can be used to create self-healing, self-forming communication networks that enable devices in the field to communicate seamlessly without the requirement for structured, static comms infrastructure. These mobile ad hoc networks provide a tactical advantage when operating in harsh environments, providing fast, mission-critical comms in war zones and emergency response situations.
Join Global Defense Engineering Professionals
Create a DA Pro account to get full website access, the weekly eBrief and exclusive event discounts.
Searching Companies & Products
Subscribe to the Weekly eBrief
The latest engineering and technical developments straight to your inbox - join thousands of engineers who receive it.
