This concept was demonstrated with success during the recent Force and Division XXI advanced warfighting experiments. This same equipment also needs to maintain backwards compatibility with communications equipment which support existing systems that will remain in the force for many years to come. Current equipment supports only particular communications modes and is restricted to comparatively narrow frequency bands. Crossband digital communications with this equipment is difficult and requires a different radio for each radio-frequency band used. These limits detract from tactical operations and degrade C2 efforts, as well as joint and combined interoperability, because each service component traditionally operates in its own assigned frequency band using its own unique waveforms.
Encryption is internal to the radio and is implemented in both hardware and software.
This greatly reduces the space, weight, power and support requirements for both individual fighting platforms and tactical-operations centers. This also greatly reduces cosite interference problems and, if used properly, can reduce the number of tactical-radio nets required to support a digitally equipped fighting force. These problems are caused by trying to cram so many narrowband radio emitters into such a small physical space. FM, amplitude modulation, FSK, amplitude shift-keying. One possible architecture for this application is shown in figure below.