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2/20/2018 The urban electromagnetic environment

The urban electromagnetic environment

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The urban environment creates many unique difficulties for modern military operations. Communications
become limited and unreliable due to multi-path reflections from walls, and electromagnetic masking by
thick concrete and steel structures. These effects cause degradation in the Quality Of Service (QOS) for
both voice and data networks, even at very short ranges. In addition to multi-path effects, multiple networks
and large numbers of wireless devices operating over a wide frequency spectrum and in a confined area,
cause severe interference. GPS coverage is often limited to open areas, resulting in lack of coordination
between forces and insufficient situational awareness, especially for operations in densely populated areas.

Furthermore, since urban guerillas are usually "non-uniformed,” and often operate with non-combatants as
human shields, hostile actions can occur anywhere, from any direction, and without warning. Serious
incidents can develop due to mutual suspicion and poor communications, causing loss of innocent lives.
Controlling troops in such an environment requires extraordinary command skills, and constant situational
awareness even for experienced combat leaders, and especially at the junior tactical command levels, for
operations ranging from routine patrols and road-blocks to non-tactical movements and supply convoys.
Without reliable communications, though, even the best leader will find that controlling urban operations is
extremely difficult

In support of urban operations, Command, Control, and Communications (C3) can involve the use of many
different systems, from satellite links, wireless networks, and data-links to short-range, low power
communicators. Broadband wireless networks provide the framework for net-enabled operations, allowing
dissemination of a Common Operations Picture (COP) among all participating forces. Combat Net Radio
(CNR) sets, now increasingly integrated into current combat vehicles, already support integrated voice and
data communications, facilitating direct links to databases and automatic reporting to battalion, brigade and
division levels.

Maintaining effective Command and Control in urban combat requires the use of efficient and effective
networks supporting all combatants throughout the area, regardless of their location. These capabilities are
not easily provided because electromagnetic propagation is severely degraded in such cluttered terrain,
frequently limiting communications to short range, or even line of sight. Communications between
neighboring forces, sometimes even on parallel roads, can be limited and sporadically scattered. Significant
improvement in coverage can be gained by operating relay stations from airborne platforms or on high
ground. Maturing aerostat technology, including miniature, man-portable systems, has established these
simple and reliable platforms as effective providers of communications relay services. An aerostat is more
reliable than a UAV, especially under adverse weather conditions when a UAV cannot operate. Anchored to
the ground, an aerostat maintains its position for long periods without requiring human control or support.

Ground combat communications networks are usually operated in the VHF frequency band. This frequency
band is relatively narrow and military radio networks do not use the available bandwidth as efficiently as
current commercial systems. Consequent lack of available frequencies can limit the use of radio relays to
overcome masking and interference.

One solution to the problem is the use of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) based communications
systems. Unlike legacy military radios or even the newer frequency hoppers which require dedicated
frequency resources for each network, COTS systems dynamically share a wide frequency band for optimal
use of scarce resources. Employing theTETRA, TETRAPOL, or APCO-25 commercial standards, COTS
systems are designed to provide deployable, reliable, and secure communications even under peak loads.

Mobile subscriber networks, such as the TETRA based emergency communications network fielded by
Motorola Communications, provide automatic relaying of communications and data. Emergency
communications networks utilize ad-hoc communications to establish bypasses between two points when
direct communications are not possible. The network automatically establishes paths through other
elements to regain the flow of information between all points and the central command post.
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2/20/2018 The urban electromagnetic environment

Modern military networks are following a similar pattern. These include relatively simple wireless
networks utilizing"wi-fi" protocols, as well as advanced mesh networks, which utilize advanced methods
designed specifically to cope with the adverse effects of urban terrain. Operating multiple high capacity
links supporting video transmissions and control of remote systems requires the fielding of special data-
links. Relying on industry standards, such as the commercial COFDM protocol, which was originally
developed to support mass distribution of digital broadcasts; modern data-links are designed to deliver
compressed video and command signals with very low latency and high quality.

At the lower tactical level, Personal Role Radio communicators (PRR) are used to link squad members.
Only Special Operations forces previously used this type of communication system. The use of such
communicators enables more effective control of all personnel due to constant reporting and tracking of
troops and automatic transmission of emergency calls (by pressing the "panic button"). These devices
enable the flow of information to and from the dismounted unit without dependence on a vehicular platform
for Command and Control. PRRs can interface with weapon sights, hand held computers, and navigation
equipment to form an integrated combat suite for the warfighter. While PRRs are very effective when
operations are conducted in open areas, their coverage and range degrades dramatically in confined spaces.
Most systems can only work through one or two floors or walls, therefore limiting communications when
operating inside buildings, or subterranean passages.

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