[Sponsor Content] Viasat - Modernizing Networks: The future of connectivity

Modernizing networks:

the future of connectivity

What’s Next?

The threat of the emerging Global Power Competition is forcing militaries around the world to consider how best to counter near peer and high capability adversaries across a multi-domain battlespace that has expanded into new dimensions that now include the space and cyber domains.

Particular concern is being given to optimising the operational effectiveness of forward-deployed units who, when called upon to conduct missions in denied access

environments, must maintain their traditional mission effectiveness in the presence of escalating threat vectors that include advanced electronic warfare and emitter geolocation across these multi-domains.

As a result, commanders in the US Department of Defense (DoD), Five Eyes (FVEY) community as well as international partner forces are turning their attention to emerging technologies derived from the commercial sector in order to enable greater levels of connectivity and enhance mission effective-

ness much more rapidly and affordably than traditional government development and acquisition timelines are capable of.

Seeking to illustrate the ‘Art of the Possible’ to the US DoD and its partner nation forces around the World is Viasat, a private sector leader which has designed an end-toend connectivity approach to support current and emerging tactical, operational and strategic communications needs of armed forces conducting the full spectrum of multi-domain operations.

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capabilities by getting the technology to where it needs to be - and there are a growing number of DoD senior leaders who recognize we have to change things.”

Viasat’s Hybrid Approach

Viasat’s Hybrid Adaptive Network (HAN) concept enables concurrent use of both military and commercial SATCOM solutions Viasat has evolved into a multifaceted technology provider capable of facilitating an ‘Internet of Battlefield Things (IOBT) that includes delivering access to ‘Cloud’-enabled connectivity empowerment, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) capabilities. In order to make the IOBT a reality, Viasat believes armed forces must have access to both a modernized end-to-end satellite communications (SATCOM) and line-of-sight (LoS) network that can be integrated seamlessly together into a multi-network architecture to provide assured warfighter connectivity and resilience.

According to Viasat’s President of Government Systems, Ken Peterman, rapidly accelerating technology trajectories in the private sector have positioned certain companies like Viasat to bring forward mature technologies which enable new capabilities providing warfighters with the most advanced solutions available in the market today.

Illustrating how civilians operating Cloudand AI/ML-enabled smartphones already

benefit from fusing sensor data with predictive analytics, Peterman believes it’s increasingly becoming an obligation to provide similar capabilities to warfighters operating in extremely congested and contested environments, especially when they are making split-second, life-or-death decisions.

“Sensor data generated across the multi-domain battlespace will be fused together into the Cloud, thereby enabling the network to automatically cue additional sensors to enhance decision making processes and reduce the sensor-to-shooter loops,” he notes.

“Technology trajectories are accelerating and becoming increasingly steep with the commercial sector embracing and rapidly applying enabling technologies to ensure mobile network and broadband connectivity,” he continues.

“Acquisition systems have to evolve to rapidly identify and apply these capabilities to address warfighter capability gaps and empower warfighters with a continuum of new

In order to satisfy complex requirements arising out of the contemporary geopolitical environment, Viasat continues to evolve its Hybrid Adaptive Network (HAN) concept which has been designed to maximize warfighter connectivity and resilience by providing simultaneous access to both commercial and military networks so warfighters can easily roam across this hybrid global infrastructure.

Comprising a fusion of commercial and military solutions, the HAN provides armed forces with near-seamless connectivity around the World through an integrated infrastructure of Low (LEO), Medium (MEO) and Geostationary (GEO) Earth Orbit satellite constellations; diverse network architectures and ground control stations; as well as a combination between alternative commercial and military LoS and Beyond LoS communications (BLoS) networks to assure unprecedented connectivity.

Describing how the HAN concept can support armed forces operating in denied access environments, Peterman explains how data traffic can be split between multiple communications pathways to confound near peer and high capability adversaries seeking to disrupt, degrade or deny connectivity across an area of operation.

“HAN architecture changes the game and makes the ‘Day Without Space’ an increasingly non-viable scenario,” Peterman urges while confirming how Viasat has conducted more than 100 demonstrations in 2019 to prove how Ka-, Ku- and Mil-Ka band SATCOM can form part of a layered, secure and resilient multi-network in accordance with Mobile Ad-Hoc Networking (MANET), Wi-Fi, LTE and other LoS network technologies.

“Since, 2002, we have been operating a global network comprised of a diverse collection of individual component networks brought together into a single network so that our subscribers can always be on the best available network for their particular use case and we are continuously evolving that to make our connectivity choices as broad and diverse as possible by routing communications across commercial and military BLoS/LoS networks,” he asserts. “Further, we have developed a network management, visualization and control capability that we employ to

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automate and optimize subscriber connectivity choices in real time.”

On 23-24 July 2019, Viasat demonstrated its HAN concept to the US Air Force’s (USAF’s) AFWERX program in Las Vegas, Nevada, as part of the Multi-Domain Operations Challenge.

The aim of the demonstration was to enhance the efficiency of USAF components through “integrated operations in the areas of air, space, land, sea, cyber and the electromagnetic spectrum”.

Viasat has augmented the HAN capability with secure and Cloud-enabled AI/ML applications, first made available to the US DoD in October 2018 and designed to reduce the cognitive load of warfighters and speed up sensor-to-shooter targeting cycles.

AI/ML-based applications can assist in predictive analytics to support a range of military operations including intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR), force protection; battlefield medicine; and the positive identification of high value targets.

As Peterman explains: “Viasat’s modernized end-to-end communications network will empower warfighters with advanced data-driven insights and operational capabilities that will allow them to make the most informed decisions possible on a highly accelerated timeline — even in the fog of war”.

As a result, Viasat offers innovative business models, such as ‘SATCOM-as-a-Service’ to US DoD and FVEY customers with a layered and heterogenous network featuring both commercial and government SATCOM solutions designed to increase operational performance and the integration of emerging and next-generation technologies to the warfighter. Further, SATCOM-as-a-Service enables DOD to utilize a continually improving and expanding connectivity architecture by exploiting and leveraging these accelerating private sector technology trajectories, instead of the DoD acquiring a ‘snapshot in time’ and then living with that technology baseline for decades to come.

“By moving to a SATCOM-as-a-service model and measuring the performance, the DoD can reduce cost, enhance resilience, improve security and determine which provider delivers the greatest connectivity capabilities required for a given mission,” Peterman urges while describing how hybrid architectures are already in place to support such requirements.

Viasat’s global HAN can be offered up as a service-based model to enhance performance,

resilience, affordability and security of the armed forces through the integration of LEO, MEO and GEO satellites offering Ku-, Ka- and Mil-Ka frequency bands, multiple ground infrastructure support and access to multiple, external networks.

The HAN has also been optimised to allow for incremental upgrades to SATCOM and LoS capabilities, with enhancements including real-time network management; visualization and control; real-time active cyber security; and real-time situational awareness across end user devices.

Incremental improvements will be augmented with the launch of the company’s next-generation ‘ViaSat-3’ constellation, featuring satellites that can deliver in excess of 1 Terabit of overall capacity, enabling broadband speeds to thousands or even millions of individual users.

This unprecedented satellite capacity and high throughput will also allow the use of smaller, lower power terminals, enabling ultra low power modes and waveforms that provide Low Probability of Intercept and Detection (LPI/D) capabilities.

Modernized Link 16 Also capable of being integrated into the holistic HAN network is Viasat’s Link 16 technology which can be carried on board surface vessels, manned and unmanned aircraft and tactical ground vehicles as well as dismounted personnel.

On 22 May 2019, Viasat was awarded a contract by US Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles XVI program, to deliver and test the first-ever Link 16-capable LEO satellite.

The XVI program has been designed to extend the range of Link 16 networks currently in service with army, navy, air force, marine corps and special operations components, particularly in congested and contested environments.

“Our innovative spacecraft design and development, coupled with expertise in next-generation tactical data links and cybersecurity, places Viasat in a unique position to address the DoD’s urgent need for a fast-to-market, cost-effective, space-based Link 16 solution to maintain a technological edge in contested environments,” Peterman continues.

Also capable of being integrated into Viasat’s HAN concept, Link 16 LEO allows networks to leverage the resilient, global connectivity capabilities of the HAN as well as sharing information with other forward-deployed units

operating anywhere in the world.

Currently, Viasat has fielded more than 2,000 handheld Link 16 radios across the DoD, principally designed to enhance ground-to-air communications with close air support assets.

The deployment of a Link 16 LEO satellite constellation will further futureproof the capability with Viasat exploring concepts of operation (CONOPS) allowing dismounted personnel to conduct ground-to-ground and ground-to-air communications over a range of a few hundred miles.

Ongoing feasibility work includes the integration of LEO satellites into GEO satellite constellations (including V3) to further expand coverage. This allows dismounted personnel for example, to turn LoS networks into BLoS networks, meaning they are able to inject into commercial broadband networks and conduct extended communications worldwide as opposed to just a few hundred miles.

“LEO satellites can only cover a small portion of the Earth due to their low orbit, but connect them to a constellation of GEO satellites, and that limitation vanishes. Meanwhile, the lower orbit enables a low latency connection to handheld terminals on the ground,” Peterman adds. Testing for the potential XVI Link 16 LEO satellite constellation is due to begin in 2020.

Link 16 technology is augmented by Viasat’s Advanced Concurrent Multiple Reception (CMR) capability, designed to enhance communications and reduce network congestion while enabling Link 16 radios to receive multiple messages simultaneously.

CMR technology is able to deliver more frequent, robust and secure updates in personal location information with data simultaneously fed into a common operating picture to provide blue and red force tracking. This multi-message capability also allows CMR devices to share data between specific users while simultaneously receiving information from the broader network.

CMR is also vital to support manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) missions where unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) cooperate with manned helicopters and air frames.

“Bringing CMR capabilities into our Link 16 portfolio allows military personnel to have battlefield depth—creating a networked force that will have significantly shorter decision cycles, increased effectiveness and improved safety,” Peterman explains.

“The flexibility of our architectures allows

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Viasat to add new Next Generation Tactical Data Link capabilities, like CMR, in near real-time to keep pace with today’s rapidly evolving digital battlespace and meet the unique needs of each mission,” he adds.

The CMR features have now been implemented in the latest version of the KOR-24A Small Tactical Terminal (STT), of which over 1,500 units have been fielded by the U.S. and International customers, as well as the AN/ PRC-161 Battlefield Awareness and Targeting System – Dismounted (BATS-D) handheld Link 16 radio. The new capabilities are also now resident in the Viasat Move out / Jump off (MOJO) expeditionary tactical gateway system and Viasat’s other embedded product lines.

Development of the AN/PRC-161 was supported by the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) which views the equipment as a critical element in its digitally-aided close air support solution, aimed at decreasing targeting cycles and threat of fratricide, as well as enhancing situation awareness.

Designed to provide Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) with ‘life-saving communications’, BATS-D continues to be issued to Special Operations Forces globally, reducing targeting cycles from a matter of 30 minutes down to 30 seconds or less.

Providing end users with more precise positioning, location accuracy and reliable communications, BATS-D is also capable of reducing collateral damage as well as any risk of fratricide across congested operating environments.

Thanks to the development of the first and

only handheld Link 16 radio BATS-D, JTACs are now capable of designating multiple targets simultaneously through a digitally automated process which is directly entered into a CAS pilot’s mission computer, heads up display, and helmet-mounted cueing system.

Holistic Cybersecurity Cognisant of how cyber threats across the Contemporary Operating Environment (COE) have evolved from distributed-denial-of-service attacks towards private and state-sponsored hackers aimed at breaching networks to obtain data or establishing permanent footholds, Viasat is also using its expertise in AI/ML and Big Data Analytics to protect armed forces from cyber threats.

In order to assist government customers, Viasat is able to exploit its diverse and extensive network of networks to support cyber warfare requirements of US, FVEY and international partner nation forces.

As Peterman highlights, Viasat’s networks not only provide enhanced connectivity for forward deployed forces but also generate enormous amounts of data which can be exploited to protect armed forces from cyber attacks.

Hence why Viasat continues to offer up its Cyber Security Operations Center (CSOC) which has been designed to protect networks and data from near peer adversaries engaging in mature levels of Cyber and Electromagnetic Activity (CEMA).

Capable of analysing more than 4.5bn security events and 30 TB of metadata in 24

Viasat’s BATS-D provides warfighters with a handheld Link 16 capability to support ground-to-air connectivity

hours across Viasat’s entire network, the CSOC generates data sets of information with which to conduct counter-CEMA missions.

“Our CSOC and deep cyber security expertise allows us to provide a premier level of cyber security services that create highly relevant, actionable intelligence to maintain a vigilant and watchful defense against some of the world’s most advanced adversaries,” Peterman explains.

Services provided by the CSOC include cyber security analytics to develop threat intelligence modeling and machine learning; automated tools to monitor networks and detect threats; Cyber infrastructure engineering to handle the security architecture; and Cyber threat intelligence to identify, contextualise and track threats.

“The enormous diversity of Viasat’s subscriber base provides insights into a wide range of threats. Having access to a vast amount of traffic (consumers, community Wi-Fi users, enterprise, maritime, aeronautical and government customers) across our network, provides us with a rich set of data to fight various adversaries.

“We have insight into some of the most sophisticated cyber threats in the world which allows us to accelerate our learning curve and truly differentiate our cybersecurity expertise and capabilities from other providers,” Peterman enthuses.

The CSOC already supports US DoD operations. Viasat is in discussions with other FVEY partners to provide a similar service, complementing sovereign requirements.

The Future Network Cloud connectivity, AI/ML and Big Data is set to provide a massive step-change in the warfighting capabilities of armed forces seeking to overcome connectivity constraints especially when operating in denied access environments against near peer and high capability adversaries.

As Peterman concludes, the ‘Art of the Possible’ will see the fusion of sensors across the battlespace, enabled by commercial and military networks and technology, providing end users with autonomously generated situation awareness and decision making processes to support the full spectrum of multi-domain operations with proactive tipping and queuing, cognitive decision aids and cloud empowerment to significant accelerate decision timelines and improve safety.

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