Whiteley, Hampshire, UK: Domo Tactical Communications (DTC), a leader in maritime communications solutions, has launched Maritime Mesh, a high capacity wireless IP mesh solution that revolutionises communications between vessels at sea, offering the secure and seamless exchange of video, data, voice and general network traffic in demanding maritime environments.
Maritime operation of high bandwidth microwave systems is challenging due to many factors including multipath and antenna design. Communications links, even if they exist, are expensive and often unreliable or insecure. Such communication is critical, for example, for Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIOPS), but is often difficult to achieve.
DTC’s Maritime Mesh changes all that by offering excellent non-line-of-sight (NLOS) properties for the highly secure, seamless exchange of data, ability to stream live HD video and audio, and also beyond-line-of-site (BLOS) with the use of autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with DTCs Maritime IP Mesh system.
This is achieved by utilising COFDM RF technology to create a self-healing, self-forming, and extensive IP network that can operate anywhere in the world, working with IP backhaul infrastructure to provide ultra NLOS (non-line of sight) penetration, even ‘on-board/inside’ ships. The high-speed, high-capacity system is ideal for any maritime application, including Maritime Boarding Operations, Military Forces, Rescue Organisations, Industrial Vessels and Mining and Energy companies.
Nigel Lee, Regional Sales Director (EMEA) said, “In addition to the powerful, seamless connectivity it provides, the beauty of Maritime Mesh is its compact, unobtrusive size. It can be easily fixed to external structures, or can be man portable, and is appropriately designed to withstand the elements utilising IP67 rated enclosures and marine grade materials. In short, it can take anything you throw at it and still perform its mission.”
Traffic accepted over Maritime Mesh’s transparent IP link includes composite and HD videos and audio, VoIP, generic IP data, GPS data and RS232/485 data. All can be transmitted in real time, which provides critical cohesion between remote teams, enabling them to work together seamlessly.
DTC Mesh products create a mesh network as soon as power is applied, which makes the system ideal for permanent or temporary deployment onto vessels, air assets, personnel or land-based stations participating in the operation without the requirement for additional infrastructure. Data sharing between USV, UAV, and mother ship, which then uses IP back- hauling via SATCOM technology to HQ, provides sight where it would previously have been impossible.
The extended range is made possible by 100mW, 2W and 5W nodes deployed together, which enable maritime assets to stay connected to the network over long distances because each node acts as a repeater, meaning that the network’s range can easily be extended by adding another node.
The network can be widened even further by integrating other IP bearers such as 4G and satellite communication. This seamlessly combines line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) systems for data delivery virtually anywhere on the globe.
By utilising an RF network, recurring communications costs are significantly reduced while the benefits of utilising multiple IP bearers or connecting to existing IP communications platforms provides an exceptional flexible way to transport vital video, audio and data in any maritime environment.
For further information on Maritime Mesh or any other of DTC’s range of solutions contact a DTC Regional Sales Office or email solent.info@domotactical.com