Broad area wireless networking via high altitude platforms

Abstract

This thesis explores a novel network design concept to address the data and communications needs of the Department of Defense (DoD). Current and future military operations are increasingly reliant upon data connectivity to facilitate situational awareness and distribute vital information. Current infrastructures are insufficient to meet the growing demand, especially in the myriad austere environments where military forces operate. The DoD has become reliant upon increasingly vulnerable and expensive satellite communications to fill those gaps. The wireless data technologies utilized in the commercial sector to meet the data distribution requirements of business and commercial telecommunications providers can be leveraged and adapted to meet the connectivity requirements of the DoD. By pairing these technologies with developing HAPs and their capabilities the potential for a long-range wireless broadband solution emerges. This thesis evaluates broadband wireless data technologies in combination with High Altitude Platform (HAP) technologies. It proposes a network design concept to serve as a model for future research and the ultimate integration of HAPs into battlefield information architecturesbringing the concepts of network centric warfare ever closer to reality.