DoD Testing Mutualink LTE Mobile Ad Hoc System

Mutualink’s interoperable communications and multimedia platform is being tested with a secure tactical 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) capability during Department of Defense (DoD) exercises taking place this month at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) in Maryland.

The infrastructure-independent capability will allow military units to operate with multiple devices in the field, without relying on public cell networks, satellite data relays or large communications infrastructure footprints. The capability is implemented as part of a man-portable operations fusion kit, providing tactical seamless interoperable communications, video and information on the ground as well as enabling seamless reach back to command and control (C2) points anywhere in the world.

DoD is testing the proof of concept to deploy 4G LTE connectivity in a mobile ad hoc manner to ensure a timely response to dynamic disaster situations. With high-speed, high-bandwidth Internet and phone connectivity, users in the field can communicate instantaneously with limited resources. The platform is enabled with tactical 4G LTE bubbles to provide local backhaul and cross-unit transmission of data at speeds of up to 70 Megabits per second (Mbps).

Mutualink is using an experimental license from the FCC for testing purposes.

“The new 4G LTE capability is deployable in very small pico and femtocell configurations with an enhanced packet core (EPC) on board creating an ad hoc, mesh network in a matter of minutes in a disaster scenario when the communications infrastructure goes down, or in locations where cellular networks aren’t available,” said Joel Balyeat, Mutualink’s executive of applied technologies. “Mutualink has already proven its ability to deliver interoperability in the field and across disparate networks. Our customers perform mission-critical operations often in highly challenged environments.”