Comtech Telecommunications has launched a new multipath radio (“MPR”) platform. As the first-ever terrestrial high data rate over-the-horizon integrated radio of its kind, MPR will empower first responders, warfighters, and commercial operators with new high data rate communications capabilities on a single antenna agnostic platform.
Built on the proven success of Comtech’s next-generation Troposcatter systems, the MPR platform’s multimode functionality, diverse antenna support, and advanced signal processing techniques empower users to establish secure, reliable and resilient communications links in challenging environments where traditional radios struggle. Today, MPR supports line-of-sight (“LOS”), obstructed-line-of-sight (“OLOS”), and beyond-line-of-sight (“BLOS”) scenarios.
“Comtech’s MPR is optimized for on-the-move, at-the-halt, and fixed applications in a flexible, low Size Weight and Power (“SWAP”) terrestrial over-the-horizon communications platform,” said Daniel Gizinski, President of Comtech’s Satellite and Space Communications Segment. “MPR’s functionality and ease of use is a true game-changer for end users, demonstrating the ability to be set up and deployed in less than 10 minutes as well as delivering industry-leading data rates continuously over long distances. The software-defined nature of Comtech’s MPR platform also enables the system to adapt and incorporate new capabilities over time.”
In the past, terrestrial BLOS communications systems were limited due to large size, high-power requirements, and complexity of operation. Leveraging over 40 years of multipath radio technology leadership, Comtech’s MPR is revolutionizing high data rate communications capabilities by providing a rapidly deployable, transportable, low SWAP solution for military and commercial operators.
Comtech’s Multipath Mitigation Technology Advantage:
Today, reliable communications in diverse environments are essential for military and critical infrastructure applications. However, multipath propagation, where radio signals travel along multiple paths before reaching the end user, disrupts signal integrity, causing a drop in communications or total loss of connectivity. Comtech’s MPR solves multipath disruption by a unique combination of diverse techniques, advanced forward error correction, and adaptive coding and modulation, that represent a first for the industry.
Operational Value for End Users:
BLOS without SATCOM: MPR provides real-time data connectivity over-the-horizon up to 150 miles; this capability can be critical in satellite contested environments or when limited space segment is available.
Reliable Communications: The MPR ensures clear and consistent communications across echelons, overcoming signal degradation caused by terrain or obstacles.
Enhanced Situational Awareness: Reliable data exchange facilitates a shared understanding of a variety of scenarios ranging from military operations to disaster response, which is crucial for informed decision-making.
Improved Interoperability: The MPR is over the air compatible with Comtech’s entire Family of Troposcatter Systems. To enhance network and information interoperability, MPR provides an easy-to-use Layer 2 interface integration package for all IP based MESH and MANET radio networks.
Common Digital Architecture: MPR is designed to leverage a common digital architecture across the Company’s other product lines, including Comtech’s Digital Common Ground modems.
Low SWAP: The MPR provides users maximum SWAP flexibility against varied environments. The small footprint and rapid set up provide users with a true expeditionary capability.
Enhancements: Comtech’s MPR has a series of planned enhancements, including point-to-multi-point, which will allow simultaneous communications to multiple on-the-move platforms and stationary sites, eliminating the need for multiple systems at the hub location.
Recent U.S. Department of Defense Demonstrations Validate MPR Capabilities
During an initial Joint Service demonstration along Florida’s panhandle, Comtech’s MPR delivered 14 megabits of data continuously over a 101-mile BLOS link using no vertical lift.
During the US Navy’s Silent Swarm 2024 exercise, Comtech’s new MPR platform completed a long-range ship-to-shore connection for an unmanned surface vessel-revolutionizing at-sea command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission support.
For more information Comtech’s new MPR platform, please visit webpage: https://comtech.com/capability/mpr-platform/.