# Harnessing the Potential of Emerging Technologies to Break Down Barriers in Tactical Communications
## 3 Emerging Technologies as Potential Candidates: Overview
* **Network slicing (NS)**: It is implemented as a logical end-to-end (E2E) network across the entire network infrastructure [42]. The NS approach leverages technology such as network functions virtualization (NFV), sdn, virtual private networks (VPNs), and network E2E orchestration services to automate the deployment and operation of the segments. Therefore, it is possible to organize and customize the capacity, latency, and cybersecurity of each segment to meet the specific needs of each user, leading to a more cost-effective way of building dedicated networks. The next features are highlighted for future communications: 1. **Enhanced mobile broadband**: This allows the operator to ensure reliable, ultra-high-speed data connections. 2. **Very low latency**: Enables applications such as drones that fly beyond visual range. For example, the control of UAVs requires an extremely short response time. 3. **Massive IoT**: Thousands of IoT devices, such as sensors, can be installed, enabling a wide variety of applications. The NS paradigm for the military sector [4] is considered to be the definition of a slice of its own for the technical scenario, which can simultaneously separate civilian and tactical communications and have them coexist. * **Blockchain (BC)**: This technology comprises sets of data that are digitally signed, time-stamped, published, and linked in a chain. It enables multiple users to post simultaneously through a secure algorithm in various locations, eliminating any risk of data tampering [43; 44]. There is only one version of the data, and all users can access it and confirm data authenticity. BC technology offers greater trust and data availability that can help logistics and military planning [45]. Data exchange through the BC can improve seamless communication and reduce data variation. One possible application of BC in military environments is in managing supply chains since the army transports equipment and personnel to difficult terrain around the world, which means that the process can be manipulated due to a series of critical points. However, with the BC, these problems can be addressed by offering a more secure record for the entire supply chain and allowing greater audibility and identification of responsibilities in real time, as well as providing supply personnel with real-time visibility of the material, parts, and equipment, thus offering greater precision in orders through smart contracts. Another potential application lies in access and identity management. It is imperative for advocacy organizations to have a clear understanding of who is gaining access to both physical and virtual locations. This necessitates substantial investments in databases that store and manage extensive volumes of sensitive and personal information. Blockchain technology can alleviate these challenges by interfacing with existing directories and databases, employing signature chains to function as a personal blockchain for each user. Other BC applications include supporting food security and healthcare challenges on the battlefield, building data-sharing platforms to increase security and efficiency, and tracking critical and temperature-sensitive situations, such as pharmaceutical products and food. * **SDN**: This technology is a new approach to networks, where the resources of a network are isolated in a virtualized system. SDN separates data forward functions from control (signaling) functions to design a network that can be centrally scheduled and managed [46]. The main purpose is to centrally control all network resources to optimize and automate their scheduling based on requirements. SDN networks are more efficient than traditional networks since they are managed from a single place and in a much simpler way. By dividing the data and control plane, SDN networks allow for more efficient load balancing and traffic distribution to bypass any potential blocking point, thereby improving network performance.