ARFHL Tactical Wi-Fi HaLow Mesh Network

Parameter	Typical Tactical SDR (e.g., Bittium Tough)	ARFHL Approach	ARFHL Advantage for Attrition Warfare
Unit Cost	High (thousands EUR)	Low (hundreds EUR)	Economically attritable. Enables mass deployment and reserve stockpiles.
Waveform	Proprietary, vendor-locked	Open IEEE 802.11ah standard	No vendor lock-in. Enables multi-vendor sourcing and custom development.
Network Model	Often point-to-point or star	Self-healing distributed mesh	No single point of failure. Survives multiple node losses.
RF Signature	High (powerful, often UHF+)	Low (sub-1GHz, adaptive duty cycle)	Lower EW/ELINT detectability. Harder to target with direction finding.
Primary Use	Voice, Data (replacing legacy radios)	Data Backbone (messaging, telemetry, ISR)	Complements voice radios with resilient IP data layer.
Logistics	Specialized batteries, complex training	COTS batteries, simple IP training	Simpler sustainment, easier operator training, commercial supply chain.
Failure Mode	Catastrophic (gateway loss = network loss)	Graceful degradation	Partial functionality maintained even under heavy attrition.

Risk	Probability	Impact	Mitigation Strategy
Spectrum congestion/jamming	Medium	High	Adaptive frequency hopping, fallback to most robust modulation, low duty cycle operation
Supply chain disruption	Medium	Medium	Dual-source critical components, firmware adaptable to alternate HaLow SoCs
Mesh protocol instability	Low	High	Battle-tested OLSR/B.A.T.M.A.N. adaptation, field-tested with 50+ node density
Crypto vulnerability discovery	Low	Critical	Crypto-agile architecture, ability to update algorithms without hardware replacement
Integration complexity	Medium	Medium	Standard IP interfaces, published API documentation, reference integration kits

1. Product Description

+ +

+ ARFHL is a portable Wi-Fi HaLow ( + IEEE802.11ah) + mesh network providing secure IP transport for messages, telemetry, images, and + opportunistic video. The system is designed to operate where traditional tactical radios + and centralized command networks fail. +

+ +

+ ARFHL prioritizes survivability, simplicity, and manufacturability + over peak throughput. It deliberately avoids proprietary waveforms and closed ecosystems + in favor of open standards and crypto agility. +

+ +

Graceful Degradation

+ Maintains command connectivity even when bandwidth drops to 150 kbps under + EWpressure. +

Attrition Tolerant

Network survives loss of 30-40% of nodes through self-healing mesh topology.

Low Observability

+ Sub-1GHz, adaptive duty cycle reduces RF + signature by 60-80% vs typical tactical radios. +

+ +

Technical Summary

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Parameter	Specification
Frequency	Sub-1 GHz regional bands (863-868 MHz EU, 902-928 MHz US)
Range	>1 km per hop (terrain dependent)
Throughput	150 kbps – 86.7 Mbps (adaptive)
Topology	Self-forming mesh, optional backbone
Security	+ WPA3+ hybrid + PQkey exchange +
Power	7-10 days active, 2+ year standby
Interoperability	Standard IP (IPv4/IPv6), Ethernet, USB-C
Environmental	+ + MIL-STD-810G + + (shock, vibe, temp, humidity) +

+ +

2. Doctrine-Aligned Use Cases

+ +

Forward / Remote Sites

+ Establishes local wireless backbone connecting sensors, cameras, and command terminals +
Operates where no backhaul exists or infrastructure is degraded
+ Supports ISRdata + exfiltration from denied areas +
+ Optional integration with satellite solutions like Starlink for hybrid backhaul to + wider IP networks +

+ +

Mobile Teams and Assets

Wearable or vehicle-mounted ARFHL-UM nodes extend mesh dynamically
Maintains message and image flow as teams move through terrain
+ Blue-force tracking via low-rate telemetry ( + NMEAformat) +

+ +

Temporary Operations

Rapid deployment for exercises or disaster response
No permanent spectrum or infrastructure commitments required
Company-level setup in under 20 minutes

+ + +

+ +

3. Problem Analysis & Solution Matrix

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Observed Problem	Typical Military Systems	ARFHL Solution Direction	Operational Impact
Centralized nodes destroyed	Star topology collapses catastrophically	Fully distributed mesh, no single point of failure	Partial functionality survives node loss
+ EWdetection and targeting +	+ Constant beacons, high RFsignature +	Adaptive duty cycle, low-power sub-GHz operation	Reduced detectability by 60-80%
High logistics burden	Short battery life, proprietary spares	+ Low power design, COTScomponents, + multi-day operation +	Resupply interval extended from hours to days
Vendor lock-in	Closed waveforms, restricted devices	+ Open IEEE+ + IP backbone, multi-vendor compatible +	No single-source dependency, competitive pricing
Training overhead	Weeks of signal training required	Hours-level operator training (IP networking basics)	Faster deployment, lower skill threshold
Crypto obsolescence risk	Fixed algorithms, hardware-dependent	Crypto-agile, post-quantum ready via software update	Future-proof against quantum decryption threats
Complexity in stress	High cognitive load, multiple systems	Single system for data, self-forming network	Reduced operator error under fire
Satellite dependency	+ Over-reliance on systems like Starlink exposes vulnerabilities to orbital threats, + jamming, or terminal targeting +	+ Ground-based, low-signature mesh provides independent, attritable redundancy; can + integrate Starlink or other satellites as additional routes to wider IP networks + without pure reliance +	+ Maintains tactical connectivity in denial scenarios while leveraging satellites + opportunistically +

+ +

4. Direct Competitive Comparison

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Parameter	+ Typical Tactical SDR(e.g., Bittium + Tough) +	ARFHL Approach	ARFHL Advantage for Attrition Warfare
+ Unit Cost +	High (thousands EUR)	Low (hundreds EUR)	+ Economically attritable. Enables mass deployment and reserve + stockpiles. +
+ Waveform +	Proprietary, vendor-locked	+ Open IEEE + 802.11ah standard +	+ No vendor lock-in. Enables multi-vendor sourcing and custom + development. +
+ Network Model +	Often point-to-point or star	Self-healing distributed mesh	+ No single point of failure. Survives multiple node losses. +
+ RFSignature +	High (powerful, often UHF+)	Low (sub-1GHz, adaptive duty cycle)	+ Lower EW/ + ELINTdetectability. Harder to target with direction finding. +
+ Primary Use +	Voice, Data (replacing legacy radios)	+ Data Backbone(messaging, telemetry, + ISR + ) +	+ Complementsvoice radios with resilient IP data layer. +
+ Logistics +	Specialized batteries, complex training	+ COTSbatteries, simple IP training +	+ Simpler sustainment, easier operator training, commercial supply + chain. +
+ Failure Mode +	Catastrophic (gateway loss = network loss)	Graceful degradation	+ Partial functionality maintainedeven under heavy attrition. +

+ + +

+ +

5. Total Ownership Cost & Support

+ +

Cost Breakdown

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Cost Component	Estimate (EUR)	Notes
Unit Procurement Cost (ARFHL-AP)	< 200	Volume of 1,000+ units
5-Year Sustainment (per unit)	80-120	Includes spares, updates, support
Initial Training Package	5,000	Train-the-trainer for up to 50 units
Annual Support Contract	15% of hardware	Optional extended firmware/security updates

+ +

Training Requirements

+ Operator Course:4 hours (basic deployment, diagnostics) +
+ Maintainer Course:2 days (node replacement, configuration) +
+ Training Materials:Provided in local language (PDF, video) +

+ +

Warranty & Support

+ Standard Warranty:2 years (parts and labor) +
+ Extended Support:Available up to 10 years post-procurement +
+ Update Policy:Security updates for 5+ years, critical bug fixes for + 10+ +
+ Depot Repair:Turnaround < 14 days, 70% cost savings vs new unit +

+ +

6. Integration & Interoperability

+ +

Physical Interfaces

+ Ethernet (PoEcapable) for command post + integration +
USB-C for power/data (field tablets, battery packs)
Optional SMA connectors for external directional antennas
+ Standard NATObattery + connectors (compatible with BA-5590 etc.) +

+ +

Gateway Functions

+ ARFHL-AP provides Ethernet bridge to tactical + LAN +
Concurrent 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi for local device connectivity
Protocol translation for legacy systems (serial-to-IP)
Store-and-forward for delay-tolerant networking
+ Integration with satellite terminals (e.g., Starlink) as additional routes to wider IP + networks for hybrid connectivity +

+ +

Standards Compliance

+ Data Formats: + NMEAfor tracking, + MJPEG/H.264 for video, REST + APIfor + C2 +
+ Routing:Standard IP routing ( + OSPF + , BGP) for backbone integration +
+ Security: + FIPS140-2 validated + crypto modules, CSfCcompliant + architecture +
+ VICTORY + Alignment:Data bus compatible, standard service definitions +

+ + +

+ +

7. Test & Evaluation Summary

+ +

Field Test Results

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Test Scenario	Range Achieved	Avg. Throughput	Packet Loss	Notes
Wooded Terrain	1.2 km	4.8 Mbps	< 1%	2 nodes, line-of-sight obstructed
Urban, Non-LOS	400 m	1.1 Mbps	5%	3-hop mesh around buildings
+ EWEnvironment +	N/A	Adaptive (150 kbps min)	15% peak	Maintained command channel under broadband noise
Extended Endurance	Consistent	Stable	< 2%	7-day continuous operation, battery

+ +

Certification Status

+ Environmental: + + MIL-STD-810G + + testing completed (shock, vibration, temperature) +
+ EMC: + + MIL-STD-461 + + compliance in progress +
+ Security:Targeting + NIAP + /Common Criteria evaluation, + CSfC + component listed +
+ Safety:CE, FCC + marked for commercial bands +

+ +

Operational Testing

Field trials with partner military units (Fall 2023)
+ Contested RFenvironment testing at national + EWrange +
+ Interoperability testing with [Redacted] C2 + system +

+ +

8. Risk Mitigation

+ +

Identified Risks & Mitigations

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Risk	Probability	Impact	Mitigation Strategy
Spectrum congestion/jamming	Medium	High	+ Adaptive frequency hopping, fallback to most robust modulation, low duty cycle + operation +
Supply chain disruption	Medium	Medium	+ Dual-source critical components, firmware adaptable to alternate HaLow + SoCs +
Mesh protocol instability	Low	High	+ Battle-tested OLSR/ + B.A.T.M.A.N. + adaptation, field-tested with 50+ node density +
Crypto vulnerability discovery	Low	Critical	+ Crypto-agile architecture, ability to update algorithms without hardware + replacement +
Integration complexity	Medium	Medium	+ Standard IP interfaces, published + APIdocumentation, reference + integration kits +
Satellite integration risks	Medium	Medium	+ Support for hybrid routing with satellites like Starlink as opportunistic + backhaul; core mesh operates independently to avoid over-reliance and associated + vulnerabilities (e.g., jamming or targeting) +

+ + + +

Contingency Plans

+ Alternative Frequencies:Design supports migration to other sub-GHz + bands if primary bands become unusable +
+ Fallback Mode:Ultra-low rate (150 kbps) "beacon" mode maintains basic + connectivity under extreme EW +
+ Legacy Integration:Gateway can interface with traditional tactical + radios as emergency backhaul +
+ Satellite Fallback:While integrating satellites enhances reach, ARFHL + ensures ground-based resilience to mitigate risks of pure satellite dependency +

+ +

9. Network Topology Overview

+ +

+ Self-forming mesh with multiple redundant paths. Network remains connected even + with node loss (grayed nodes). +

+ +

1. Product Description

Graceful Degradation

Attrition Tolerant

Low Observability

Technical Summary

2. Doctrine-Aligned Use Cases

Forward / Remote Sites

Mobile Teams and Assets

Temporary Operations

3. Problem Analysis & Solution Matrix

4. Direct Competitive Comparison

5. Total Ownership Cost & Support

Cost Breakdown

Training Requirements

Warranty & Support

6. Integration & Interoperability

Physical Interfaces

Gateway Functions

Standards Compliance

7. Test & Evaluation Summary

Field Test Results

Certification Status

Operational Testing

8. Risk Mitigation

Identified Risks & Mitigations

Contingency Plans

9. Network Topology Overview

Next Steps for Procurement Evaluation

1. Product Description

Graceful Degradation

Attrition Tolerant

Low Observability

Technical Summary

2. Doctrine-Aligned Use Cases

Forward / Remote Sites

Mobile Teams and Assets

Temporary Operations

3. Problem Analysis & Solution Matrix

4. Direct Competitive Comparison

5. Total Ownership Cost & Support

Cost Breakdown

Training Requirements

Warranty & Support

6. Integration & Interoperability

Physical Interfaces

Gateway Functions

Standards Compliance

7. Test & Evaluation Summary

Field Test Results

Certification Status

Operational Testing

8. Risk Mitigation

Identified Risks & Mitigations

Contingency Plans

9. Network Topology Overview

Next Steps for Procurement Evaluation