Opportunities and limitations using satellite and shortwave communication
Publish date: 2013-11-15
Report number: FOI-R--3712--SE
Pages: 38
Written in: Swedish
Keywords:
- High frequency communications
- satellite communications.
Abstract
The purpose of this report is to give an overview and understanding of the possibilities and limitations of high frequency (HF) communications and satellite communications (Satcom), and hopefully erase some misconceptions. This document deals with some important properties of these systems, such as the basics of radio wave propagation, spectrum regulations, communication ranges, data rates, and vulnerability aspects. For each property, the main characteristics of each system will be explained; HF on the left page and Satcom on the right page The rapid technology development of today has made services via smart phones, mobile broadband and WiFi hot spots a natural part of our daily life. This has been made possible through an advanced telecommunication commercial infrastructure that has been built up throughout many years, and works well in the office, at home and along the main roads. However, the service availability in sparsely populated areas or at sea is a completely different story. The Swedish Armed Forces must be able to act under any circumstances, and have therefore had the capability to build their own temporary communication infrastructure, using for example microwave links or optical fibers, in areas where such infrastructure does not exist. HF communications and Satcom are used by military units that have neither a temporary nor a permanent infrastructure available. Both HF and Satcom have their pros and cons, but it would be very difficult to perform military actions without any of these systems except in very limited geographical areas. Those who seek deeper knowledge or are in the need to use these systems are also given advice of complementary literature and details about who to contact for further information.