Networks for Logistics Operations & Sustainment

Providing soldiers with real-time access to their sustainment network is essential to maintaining a ready fighting force. It allows combat troops to order new supplies in a timely manner, and provides commanders with a real-time view of their operational readiness. Because troops are mobile and geographically distributed, and supply posts may be miles away, a secure wireless mesh network is a necessary component of the solution.

Challenges

A wireless sustainment network must address many challenges. Due to the mobile nature of the mission, the solution must be portable, lightweight, and easy to deploy by soldiers with minimal training. It must also provide network access from multiple locations that are spread out over several miles. The solution must also be flexible enough to support a wide variety of deployment options, including towers, masts, tents, and vehicles. It must also meet all Department of Defense (DoD) security policies and requirements.

Solution

The ideal solution for a mobile sustainment network would consist of portable kits with all the equipment necessary to create a wireless access node, and connect it to other nodes in the network. A self-forming, self-healing mesh network would allow fast and easy deployment by a soldier. A dual-radio solution would allow simultaneous wireless access and backhaul without compromising performance. Using standard 802.11 Wi-Fi technology would allow the network to be accessed by commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) notebook computers, handheld scanners, personal computing devices and smartphones.

Example: CAISI

The US Army’s Combat Service Support Automated Information Systems Interface (CAISI) is a tactical Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) deployment that supports supply chain logistics. It is the largest wireless network deployed in the DOD with over 40,000 nodes. CAISI enables secure communications between soldiers on the front lines to warehouses and command facilities located around the world. The solution significantly decreases the time required to get soldiers the supplies they need to stay equipped on the battlefield.

The CAISI Bridge Module (CBM) is a kit developed by Telos Corporation, the exclusive provider of CAISI to the U.S. Army. The CBM is a complete radio module access point designed for rapid field deployment. Assembly of the kit is “tools free,” and includes all of the components for complete operation. The CBM supports local area communications up to 2 miles and point-to-point communications up to 32 miles. 

Fortress ES520 Mesh Point

The Fortress ES520 Mesh Point is designed for rapidly-deployed networks. It supports a variety of features, including dual radios, mesh networking, and an 8-port Ethernet switch. It can be easily mounted on a tabletop, wall, or vehicle and includes a mast-mounting kit for outdoor deployments. Its rugged, weatherproof enclosure supports almost any military operating environment and multiple power options. Finally, it meets all DOD security requirements, including FIPS 140-2 encryption. 

Product specifications and certifications