ARFHL Tactical Wi-Fi HaLow Mesh Network

1. Product Description

The ARFHL system is a portable Wi-Fi HaLow (IEEE 802.11ah) mesh network designed to function in environments where no existing communications infrastructure can be assumed and where electromagnetic conditions are hostile.

Unlike centralized tactical radios or SATCOM-dependent systems, ARFHL operates as a self-forming, self-healing distributed network. Each node may act as an endpoint, relay, or gateway without manual RF planning.

Key Characteristics

• Sub-GHz operation for extended range and terrain penetration
• Graceful degradation from Mbps to kbps under jamming or low SNR
• Peer-to-peer mesh with optional backbone formation
• Standard IP transport for interoperability with civilian and military devices
• Designed for low electromagnetic signature and intermittent connectivity

Technical Specifications (ARFHL-AP)

2. Concept of Operations (CONOPS)

Mission Context

ARFHL is intended for platoon to battalion-level operations in environments where:

• Fixed infrastructure is absent or destroyed
• Spectrum is contested or actively jammed
• Command nodes are subject to targeting
• Logistics resupply is uncertain

Operational Flow

• Nodes are deployed manually, by vehicle, or by personnel
• Network self-forms within seconds without RF planning
• Traffic prioritization ensures command and text traffic survives first
• Images and video are transferred opportunistically
• Network continues operating despite loss of individual nodes

Supported Traffic

• Encrypted text messaging and command data
• Still images (UAV, body-worn cameras)
• Low-frame-rate situational video (best-effort)
• Sensor and telemetry data

3. Threat Model and EW Survivability

Threat Assumptions

• Wideband and narrowband jamming
• RF direction finding and emitter geolocation
• Node capture and physical compromise
• Intermittent connectivity and network partitioning

Survivability Measures

• Sub-GHz operation reduces path loss and required transmit power
• Adaptive duty cycling minimizes RF emissions
• No constant beacons or centralized control traffic
• Distributed routing avoids decapitation failures
• End-to-end encryption with forward secrecy

Limitations (Explicit)

• Not designed for sustained high-definition video streaming
• Not a replacement for long-range SATCOM
• Performance degrades under continuous broadband jamming

4. Training and Documentation

ARFHL is designed to minimize training burden under combat conditions.

• Operator training: hours, not weeks
• No RF engineering background required
• Quick-reference cards for field use
• CLI and GUI manuals for signal officers

Documentation includes:

• Operator handbook
• Signal officer configuration guide
• Security and crypto management manual
• Maintenance and field repair instructions

5. Manufacturing and MRL Roadmap

Design Philosophy

• COTS silicon where survivable
• Open firmware architecture
• No export-restricted proprietary waveforms

Manufacturing Readiness Levels

6. Security Architecture

• WPA3 baseline security
• Hybrid classical + post-quantum key exchange (e.g., X25519 + Kyber)
• Algorithm agility via firmware updates
• No mandatory cloud or subscription services
• Supports air-gapped operation

Security design prioritizes survivability, crypto agility, and rapid field updates over static, hard-coded solutions.

7. Network Topology Overview (SVG)