cyberspace
Bittium and Telia test 5G communication
The Finnish company Bittium and Telia have launched a hybrid network that combines tactical communication systems with 5G infrastructure for the Finnish defence force. The solution is said to enable secure data transmission over large areas and is to continue being tested in operational environments.
Bittium and Telia have implemented a hybrid network enabling 5G communications within the Finnish Defence Forces (Puolustusvoimat), for use in critical operations. This is stated by Bittium in a press release.
The network combines Bittium's tactical communications system — used within the Finnish Defence Forces' C5 (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Combat Systems) system — with Telia's 5G infrastructure, to secure data transfer and communications across larger areas.
– The goal for the Defence Forces is to develop a strong Finnish communications platform based on a hybrid solution, offering a high degree of automation and versatility to support Defence Forces operations. Telia and Bittium have successfully demonstrated how communications for critical operations can be conducted securely and seamlessly by leveraging the strengths of both 5G networks and tactical communications networks, says Major General Jarmo Vähätiitto, Head of C5 at the Finnish Defence Command, in the press release.
The solution is built on Bittium's FUSOR software router, which enables the tactical network to be connected to 5G and automatically selects the best route for data transfer. The network is intended to support operational flexibility and cooperation with authorities and allied partners, according to the press release.
– With FUSOR, we are for the first time introducing robust communications into 5G networks. Together with Telia, we are supporting defence needs through a unified network that offers a high-performance platform for critical services, applications, and communications for mobile units, as well as for cooperation between different actors, says Tommi Kangas, Deputy CEO of Bittium's Defence & Security business area.
Testing and verification of the network in operational environments is ongoing, Bittium states.