5G AS A POTENTIAL REPLACEMENT FOR EXPEDITIONARY AVIATION COMMAND AND CONTROL TACTICAL FIBER OPTIC CABLE
Loading...
Authors
Smith, Katherine L.
Subjects
5G systems
tactical fiber-optic cable
aviation command and control
sub-6 GHz
mmWave
tactical fiber-optic cable
aviation command and control
sub-6 GHz
mmWave
Advisors
Oros, Carl L.
Date of Issue
2023-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Tactical fiber optic cable connects aviation command and control systems to coordinate airspace operations. Tactical fiber impedes unit maneuverability during displacement to alternative battlefield positions in support of operational tempo. The purpose of this thesis is to assess the feasibility of replacing or augmenting tactical fiber with local 5G wireless communications networks for company size units to enhance operational logistics, mobility, and ultimately, lethality. This thesis examines technologies associated with 5G networks and ongoing experimentation compared to how tactical fiber is implemented now. It also explores how 5G networks would be employed in a dynamic operating environment in which effective data transmission must be balanced with allowing users to move quickly. Considerations regarding bandwidth, range, latency, and logistics are analyzed to assess the feasibility to implementing local 5G wireless communication networks. Sub-6 GHz frequencies provide the capabilities required to replace tactical fiber but will require further development of tactical equipment to effectively implement. Millimeter wave technologies are still maturing in technology readiness and are not ready for fielding. Further research, development and field testing is required to develop secure frameworks for 5G networks, but these capabilities provide a promising alternative to tactical fiber optic cable.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Information Sciences (IS)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.