Application of commercial wireless LAN technology to forward area mobile communications

Two applications have been identified for wireless local area network (LAN) technology in the forward area of the battlefield: a soldier radio and distributed command posts. The Army's soldier radio/soldier computer initiative is characterized by low to medium data rate requirements (10 kbps or higher), optimization for low cost and light weight, and fully-mobile operation. It utilizes the UHF or low SHF bands, and has a range to 2 km. The distributed command posts application is characterized by high data rate requirements (1 to 10 Mbps), optimization for low probability of intercept (LPI) or detection (LPD), and quasi-mobile operation (rapid setup after a move). It utilizes the EHF band, and has a range to 10 km. The authors survey requirements and architectural alternatives for both applications. The issues which make current commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology unsuitable for a tactical environment are examined, and modifications which may be made to COTS equipment to deal with these issues are proposed. These issues include operation on the move, high-loss propagation path, frequency band, security requirements, and interference rejection. Technologies which are common to the two applications are identified. Current COTS technology appears to be a good match to the soldier radio application. Suggestions are made for how COTS technology may be applied to the distributed command post application.<>