Dominating the data domain;

managing the addiction to bandwidth to increase lethality at the tactical edge

by Neil Fraser, NSSLGlobal

Modern warfare is increasingly data-centric, with western military forces increasingly relying on high-bandwidth connectivity to share information, coordinate operations, and enable technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in complex operational scenarios.

Yet the Ukraine conflict has exposed the folly of over-reliance on high-bandwidth connectivity designed primarily for consumer markets – connectivity which is subject to political, commercial or technical disruption. This dependence creates operational risk, especially at the tactical edge where bandwidth may be limited or intermittent.

This article argues for a rebalance in mindset and architecture. Forces must embrace lower-bandwidth solutions without sacrificing capability. Edge processing, data compression, and bearer-agnostic systems can reduce data loads, increase resilience and maintain effectiveness. Processing data closer to where it is generated enables faster decision-making, reduces latency, and lessens vulnerability to attacks on centralised networks with an over-emphasis on “reachback to the cloud”.

Diversity and resilience in communications are essential. Military systems must incorporate multiple bearers appropriate to the use case, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Geostationary Orbit (GEO), along with various terrestrial solutions including MANET networks. Communications must be capable of seamless switching between them using software-defined approaches.

The PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency) model remains vital, but should be dynamically implemented, including with appropriately tailored commercial and military specific options.

Link to full article.