How a NATO member monitors the spectrum of multiple locations from one central location
DOMAIN: MultiAPPLICATION: Spectrum monitoringCUSTOMER: Military end-user
SITUATION: Spectrum managers stretched to the limit
Experienced spectrum managers at airbases have multifaceted roles that extend beyond spectrum monitoring.
They must ensure all equipment for troops entering theater is operating on the correct frequency, investigate and resolve interference issues, plan strategic spectrum usage, coordinate with international partners, and develop policy recommendations.
However, there is a shortage of highly skilled military spectrum managers, most of whom have a heavy workload and are spread thinly across multiple airbases. A lack of sufficient personnel combined with reactive spectrum monitoring techniques—searching for problems by driving around with handheld spectrum analyzers—can compromise security and operations.
This NATO member wanted to support highly stretched spectrum managers by automating time consuming and manual tasks, reporting to improve spectrum awareness, and ensuring full situational awareness. They wanted a solution that works 24/7/365—that never forgets to carry out tasks and never gets tired.
SOLUTION: A distributed sensor network controlled from a central location
This NATO partner installed a network of RFeye Nodes (fit-and-forget hardware) around multiple airbases, creating small monitoring networks that can be joined together to create a large operating theater. Locally, the networks were used for air traffic control, spectrum monitoring, and groundbased air defense.
As the RF receivers can be operated remotely, the air force could concentrate its expert spectrum managers in one central location, which acted as a central nervous system for multiple air bases.
Despite the relatively limited number of experts, by using specialist software the NATO partner could scale operations without having to scale the personnel. It used RFeye Site software for real-time spectrum monitoring, EW target acquisition, and geolocation and RFeye Mission Manager software for automated spectrum management.
In addition to a fixed network of RFeye Nodes, the NATO partner invested in several Stormcases to carry out spectrum vigilance through tactical deployments.
RESULTS: Spectrum dominance
The combination of fixed and tactical deployable RFeye Nodes, as well as remote and automated capabilities, allowed this NATO partner to actively monitor spectrum
operations and threat targets in real-time at each operating base from one central location.
Centralizing and automating operations reduced the amount of expertise required and provided three key capabilities:
- Daily monitoring to ensure spectrum cleanliness for air operations
- Checking EMSO with inbound and outbound units
- Ground-based air defense capabilities, acting as early warning protection against drones and missiles
The NATO partner achieved spectrum dominance across their entire network of airbases—identifying problems before they become security risks and ensuring spectrum cleanliness for operations.
Related products
Hardware and software related to this deployment story.
RFeye Mission Manager
RFeye Mission Manager is a toolset for automated spectrum management and near-time incident reporting.
RFeye Node 40-8
A wideband RF receiver to ensure you never miss a signal. The RFeye Node 40-8 provides the latest superheterodyne receiver technology to provide outstanding quality and performance at a highly competitive price.
RFeye Site
RFeye Site is a toolbox to monitor the spectrum in real-time and geolocate signals in complex RF environments.
RFeye Node 100-40
RF receiver with a 100MHz instantaneous bandwidth. Packaged in a lightweight weatherproof rugged form, the Node 100-40 delivers 24/7 365 spectrum vigilance for long-term deployment in harsh environments.
RFeye Node 100-18
The wideband RFeye Node 100-18 is a complete spectrum monitoring and geolocation system. Optimized for size, weight, and power (SWaP), it is simple to connect, power, and network.