NATO STO

Secure, low probability of detection (LPD) low probability of interception (LPI), interoperable wireless communications are essential for NATO tactical and strategic operations across subsea, terrestrial and space domains. In this context, it has to be recognized that NATO has communicated entirely within the radio frequency (RF) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) since the 19th century. The radio frequency (RF) spectrum, whether used for line-of-sight or satellite communications, is highly detectible, congested, contested, and managed by each nation’s frequency management directorate. Three major issues are problematic when operating entirely within the RF spectrum. First, a near-peer adversary will detect, attack through jamming or direct fires, or attempt to intercept all RF communications used on the battlefield, leaving commanders with the inability to command and control their area of operations, ultimately putting soldier’s and civilian’s lives at risk. Second, host nations own and manage the RF spectrum and NATO forces must request permission to use any portion of spectrum. Furthermore, host nations have the ability to deny access to any allied force for use and may sell any portion of the RF spectrum without notice or coordination. Third, the RF portion of the spectrum is congested and has a finite amount of space, and 5G has not even began full implementation. The solution to the RF associated problems is to move outside the RF spectrum, namely the infrared and visible light portions. The available total available spectrum in this region of the electromagnetic spectrum is 2600 times larger than the entire RF spectrum of 300 GHz. Furthermore, lightwaves greatly support systems that exhibit extremely low LPD and LPI. Moreover, the optical spectrum is unlicensed. Two currently available technologies are FSOC, and Optical Wireless Systems, such as Light Fidelity (LiFi). FSOC brings a high-speed (up to Gb/s rates) spectrum diverse “wireless fiber” capability to the battlefield, whether on land, sea, subsurface or space. FSOC is a transport solution that uses an optical wireless broadband access technology utilizing the infrared and visible light spectra. While FSOC is currently deployed with line-of-site, most other work within FSOC namely sea, subsurface and space, is still in the research, development or test phases of deployment. While FSOC is developing, this RTG will explore how NATO nations and partners can deploy FSOC within the next six years. ET-115 has highlighted that some Use Cases are more mature than others, requiring industry partners, research labs, and NATO nations to push towards standardized solutions.