Tactical routing - Initial survey of the concept tactical router

Authors:

  • Oscar Granfeldt
  • Anders Hansson
  • Christoffer Lauri
  • Mats Persson
  • Ulf Sterner

Publish date: 2024-10-10

Report number: FOI-R--5628--SE

Pages: 28

Written in: Swedish

Keywords:

  • tactical router
  • market products
  • technical evaluation

Abstract

The work that has been carried out aims to investigate how a tactical router can improve communication capabilities in tactical networks and what potential advantages it may have compared to current systems. The development of tactical networks involves challenges such as low link speeds, dynamic topologies, and the integration of wireless and fixed transmission systems. Initially, the project has tried to define what a tactical router is, its expected characteristics, and potential benefits. A plan for technical evaluation has been developed to compare market products. The term "tactical router" is used both in research and for products and can therefore have different meanings depending on the context. There is some overlap between ongoing research and the vision that emerges from discussions with the Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, particularly regarding how transmission systems can be used more efficiently. No products have been tested yet, but the initial assessment is that there is a larger gap between market products and the vision than between ongoing research and the vision. A practical evaluation of market products is recommended for a realistic comparison with current systems.