A distributed, sub-GHz tactical communications backbone designed for contested, infrastructure-denied environments. Optimized for attrition warfare, electronic warfare pressure, and rapid field deployment without vendor lock-in.
Current tactical networks are vulnerable to centralized node loss, EW targeting, and vendor lock-in, as observed in recent contested environments. ARFHL provides a low-signature, attrition-tolerant, IP-based mesh backbone to restore platoon-to-company level connectivity when traditional systems fail.
ARFHL is a portable Wi-Fi HaLow (IEEE 802.11ah) 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.
Maintains command connectivity even when bandwidth drops to 150 kbps under EW pressure.
Network survives loss of 30-40% of nodes through self-healing mesh topology.
Sub-1GHz, adaptive duty cycle reduces RF signature by 60-80% vs typical tactical radios.
| 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 PQ key 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) |
| 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 |
| EW detection and targeting | Constant beacons, high RF signature | Adaptive duty cycle, low-power sub-GHz operation | Reduced detectability by 60-80% |
| High logistics burden | Short battery life, proprietary spares | Low power design, COTS components, 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 |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| EW Environment | N/A | Adaptive (150 kbps min) | 15% peak | Maintained command channel under broadband noise |
| Extended Endurance | Consistent | Stable | < 2% | 7-day continuous operation, battery |
| 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 |
Self-forming mesh with multiple redundant paths. Network remains connected even with node loss (grayed nodes).
For detailed specifications, classified briefings, or to schedule a field demonstration with your operational units:
Contact: [Point of Contact - Program Manager]
Available: Technical data packages, test reports, reference architectures, and operational concept briefings.