Secure Network Connectivity Slices Over Commercial SATCOM

Building on a successful Phase I feasibility study, Tiami, LLC, is pleased to propose a ground-breaking Phase II demonstration of resilient 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN) with low probability of detect (LPD) and network slicing for warfighter service level assurance. We note that Tiami’s LPD and network slicing capabilities are also applicable to terrestrial 5G networks. This is a software-based solution implemented at the NTN ground station and space-based NTN modem. The leap-ahead Army capabilities enabled by our Phase II effort include the following:Resilience when using commercial satellite communications (COMSATCOM) networks for Army voice and data connectivity in congested or contested environments. We are aiming for a demonstration at Army Project Convergence 2026.The network slicing architecture for non-terrestrial networks provides commanders with unprecedented communication reliability by creating logically isolated, prioritized communication domains with hard service level guarantees. Each critical mission slice receives dedicated resources and can maintain specified performance parameters even when other network segments experience electromagnetic interference or jamming.The DoD and SPACECOM are on-ramping commercial SATCOM technologies and business practices to increase communications resiliency and create alternatives to MILSATCOM. According to Northern Sky Research, a telecom industry research firm, the US military’s SATCOM requirements will grow by 68 percent in the next decade due to the reallocation of US forces toward the Asia-Pacific theater.  However, the use of commercial SATCOM introduces TRANSEC risks that need mitigation since the 5G NTN waveform does not provide anti-jamming or electronic protect (EP) capabilities. Our Phase II technical objectives (TOs) focus on real-time hardware implementation of protected COMSATCOM system components, enhancement of TRANSEC capabilities, and testing in dynamic environments.