First Portable MIL-SPEC 3G UMTS Network

Europe : 3Way Networks launches a breakthrough in rapid-deployment secure wireless communications with the launch of a hand-portable UMTS network capable of supporting up to 100 user devices. Based on the company's unique 'network on a card', the equipment packs a complete 3GPP Release 5 compliant system with radio network, switching and packet elements into a tiny 30x56x80cm ruggedised case.

Called DBX-m, the system offers a highly cost-effective solution for a range of applications including disabling third-party 3G networks, providing home calling facilities for armed service personnel, or ruggedised basestations with the bandwidth to support the spectrum of remote sensing applications from battlefield sensors to multi-media UAV communications.

These, and numerous other applications, are emerging as potential defence uses for UMTS thanks to the technology's intrinsically high level of security including 128-bit encryption and mutual client/network authentication.

DBX-m can be used in conjunction with 3G terminals and NATO approved secure encryption devices, and the new generation of secure UMTS terminals currently in development. The system can be used standalone - providing a fully-functional local UMTS network - or connected to a satellite uplink employing commercial internet protocol (IP), circuit-based, or military satellite infrastructure. The radio element of the system additionally features software-definable characteristics, allowing it to be re-banded to take advantage of military spectrum, for instance. As standard, the system offers a 5W output, but can optionally be fitted with a power amplifier to achieve the desired range.

3Way Networks' communications network - which includes a keyboard and high-brightness 6.5 inch display - is provided in a ruggedised and waterproof form factor meeting Mil-Spec 810F and Def Stan 81-41j packaging standards. The equipment comes with a power connector conforming to the NATO Slave Receptacle specification, allowing it to be plugged onto the standard 24V auxiliary power interfaces available on military vehicles.

3Way Networks anticipates three major applications for the new equipment in the short term. DBX-m can be used for electronic warfare, to temporally disable third-party 3G terminals prior to enemy engagement for instance. This activity can be performed in a far subtler manner than a broad spectrum jammer, and can be done without alerting enemy to its presence.

DBX-m offers a cost effective home calling solution - connected to commercial broadband satellite facilities for the backhaul medium for instance. This would provide significantly enhanced security even using commercial UMTS handsets - compared with the GSM and other solutions currently widely employed for this application.

UMTS is also ideally suited to support the new generations of micro sensors for battlefield use, and remote camera applications - as it offers significantly better reception sensitivity than almost any other digital communications system (and its mass market penetration means that core devices and silicon are both inexpensive and power efficient). The system is both rugged and waterproof, allowing it to be operate autonomously, linked to observers located in the local UMTS cell, or even on another continent if connected to a satellite uplink.