5G for deployable and maritime communications

Abstract

Mission networks in support of NATO expeditionary and maritime operations demand high capacity and reliable, yet easy to deploy and operate, communication solutions. Emerging 5G technologies towards IMT–2020 vision are poised to push the technology limits and enable new applications in many industry verticals and the military is no exception. ACT and NCI Agency have been investigating the potential of 5G technologies for military applications and have identified a number of scenarios where 5G technologies could bring an advantage to the warfighter. This paper describes in detail prominent deployable headquarter and maritime scenarios – its operational context and unique challenges –, where existing or close-to-market 5G technologies could be utilized and be advantageous. It then proposes a way forward for an experimental proof of concept to assert technology readiness, adequacy of the envisaged implementation concept and identification of associated challenges. The outcomes of the experimental proof of concept and subsequent analyses are expected to inform NATO decision makers on both the potential and limitations of 5G technologies, whether NATO and nations decide or not to adopt it to the existing toolset of wireless technologies.