Columbia University and Project OWL - Robust Deployable Communications Networks

As the world becomes increasingly connected the U.S. Army depends on communications and networking more than ever before.  Project OWL technology provides rapidly deployable yet simple to use network hardware, software, and infrastructure to facilitate command, control, and intelligence for the Army.  Project OWL has developed a portable, handheld electronic device called the DuckLink that automatically syncs with other DuckLinks to form an ad-hoc mesh network. The DuckLink mesh infrastructure is operated by the OWL Data Management Software (DMS) to observe and administer network activity.  The OWL DMS routes data throughout the network and, in certain scenarios, through a gateway to the internet over WiFi or satellite connectivity. The software provides a common operating environment for distributed communications, command, and control. Together, the hardware and software provide a unified network architecture that is more cost-effective than current MANET (MPU5) solutions, more intuitive than consumerized radios (GoTenna), and is longer-lasting and easier to use than available mesh and satellite connectivity (Iridium).  This innovative network foundation brings new potential of situational awareness and common operating picture across the U.S. Army.