Boeing is testing Directional Network Waveform (DNW) technology as a means to build a secure, mobile IP network “a thousand times faster” than operational tactical military communications systems in use today. Keys to the communications advance are Boeing’s development of a broadband space-time division multiplexed access communication protocol integrated with electronically steered phased array antennas.
Boeing recently tested DNW links between a Humvee vehicle equipped with a DNW terminal and a fixed DNW tower mounted terminal. During testing, the network demonstrated ground-to-ground IP mobile directional networking with standard applications performed simultaneously, including multiple bidirectional video streams, text chat, web browsing, VoIP and other IP applications. Boeing said the he field test also proved network effectiveness in areas with potential communication blockages caused by trees and other vegetation. Its next step in the testing will involve a DNW terminal on a mountain top, which will simulate an airborne DNW node.
The DNW technology is being developed by Boeing Phantom Works. http://www.boeing.com
