Simplifying complexity in military SATCOM

Your task

MIL SATCOM operators must establish and maintain a reliable high-quality communications network that supports mission-critical operations and morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) services while ensuring the security and integrity of communications links. They face challenges similar to those of commercial SATCOM operators, but with increased complexity. Maintaining a communications network, particularly in a remote or hostile environment is extremely demanding.

MIL SATCOM operators are responsible for the entire network, including information sharing, IP infrastructure and more, which adds to the complexity of their task. Limited personnel and resources make troubleshooting and maintaining the network especially difficult. Ensuring the security and reliability of communications networks is a major concern when faced with interference, cyber threats, or other issues which could compromise the network.
MIL SATCOM operators establish ground segments, such as teleports, in their home countries to connect with the countries where forward deployed troops operate. These connections often serve as the sole backbone link to avoid reliance on local lines or public networks. This means that operators must troubleshoot problems independently without external support.

Rohde & Schwarz solution

To address these challenges, MIL SATCOM operators require efficient tools to simplify their work. Conventional spectrum analyzers are often insufficient for troubleshooting, especially in complex SATCOM systems. The R&S®SATCOM Link Observer offers a versatile solution.

The R&S®SATCOM Link Observer can easily be deployed in any ground segment system to monitor quality of service. It features a decoder to identify baseband issues and provides a convenient, user-friendly interface.

It can be used as a monitoring network, monitoring downlinks both in the rear area and downrange in the country of operations. Administrators in the control center operate the link server via the satellite link, while forward deployed troops can start tasks with ease. R&S®SATCOM Link Observer serves as an automated test and measurement tool, running continuously to monitor links.

Application

R&S®SATCOM Link Observer can be used for three primary tasks:

• Lineup sequence – when installing a movable ground station, the calibration feature can be used to test antenna pointing and perform qualified EIRP measurements
• Monitoring – once links are established, continuous monitoring is set up to track specific criteria
• Troubleshooting – in the event of an error or quality of service issue, the system can be used to identify the root cause, whether in the RF or baseband segment

The collected data is centralized, enabling full control and maintenance of the network with minimal personnel, just what operators need to simplify their work and ensure efficient operation.

Benefits

The R&S®SATCOM Link Observer helps overcome the challenges operators face, featuring:

• Simplified troubleshooting – quick issue identification and resolution, reducing downtime and improving overall efficiency
• Increased efficiency – automation of many tasks, allowing forward deployed troops to focus on other tasks while experts in the rear control center manage the link server
• Improved quality of service – continuous monitoring ensures that links meet specific criteria to ensure highquality communications
• Reduced personnel requirements – centralized data collection and automated monitoring enable network maintenance with minimal personnel, typically one or two people
• Easy deployment – deployable in any ground segment system, making it a versatile solution
• Comprehensive monitoring – a complete view of the link, including RF and baseband segments, lets operators identify and resolve issues quickly
• Automated testing and measurement – automating testing and measurement tasks reduces the workload on forward deployed troops in the country of operation
• Improved root cause analysis – more effective troubleshooting through quick identification of root causes, whether in the RF or baseband segment

Overall, the R&S®SATCOM Link Observer helps operators streamline their tasks, reduce complexity and improve the overall efficiency of communications networks.

Communications and information network