Case Studies - Defence

Network enabling disadvantaged naval platforms

QinetiQ has developed and trialled the Maritime Tactical Network (MTN), which can be scaled to support all types of RN platform. By dynamically optimising the use of available communications links, the system allows platforms with limited communication bearers to access operational command systems and participate in joint operations planning. The success of the trials ashore has led to a further deployment of the equipment to support a Maritime Task Group at sea.

Background
Network capability to support Royal Naval operations is available on major platforms, but is inaccessible to many other (disadvantaged) platforms. In order to fully support NEC aspirations, such as joint planning, all platforms need to be Network Enabled. Providing network capability to disadvantaged platforms using extensions to current systems would have required a major financial investment.

Challenge
The key challenge was to enable access to operational C2 systems without a major investment in new communications equipments. This meant finding ways to use existing communications assets more effectively within the harsh environment affecting radio and satellite bearers at sea. The solution also had to meet the needs for quality of service, security and coalition inter-operability. Installation and testing of fielded systems had to take place during fleet time.

Solution
To support all types of RN platform, QinetiQ developed a scaleable MTN network architecture. This allows platforms to automatically form networks using a range of available communications bearers on the platform.

Working with industry (including EDS, GD UK, ITT, Rohde & Schwarz, Riverbed), QinetiQ has developed technology to allow the creation of an IP Tactical Wide Area Network (TacWAN) over legacy military naval bearers. Sophisticated IP Quality of Service (QoS) and policy routing ensured that all possible communications resources were used to the best of their ability to seamlessly support end-user traffic. This solution was secure and manageable, and usable by uniformed RN Communications operators.

At the IP layer the network design takes advantage of sophisticated packet handling techniques that are based on and fully compliant with the Differentiated Services model. Using cutting edge technologies, the quality of service design is layered, with elements operating at the radio, network and application layers to deliver a highly efficient infrastructure.

Results
The QinetiQ solution has allowed progress towards the creation of a TacWAN at sea, providing a flexible and resilient communications infrastructure. This allows all fitted platforms to have access to C2 services, extending the reach of these services into disadvantaged platforms.

MTN has supported real operational C2 systems (both RN CSS and CENTRIXS CFE) at shore tests and at sea, and accordingly represents a demonstration of maritime NEC, a step change in capability for RN.

MTN has been deployed in RN ships for a pilot sea trial (AURORA 04) and was proven to be very successful. After further shore testing and development, MOD have now approved the installation of MTN equipment for further demonstrations at sea in early 2006.

Key Benefits

• Extends operational command systems to all Naval platforms including those with limited communications links
• All fitted platforms can participate in joint operations planning
• Substantial re-use of existing investments in equipment and capability
• Exploits research to solve real needs