Virginia-based satellite communications (SATCOM) provider iDirect Government has received a contract to develop a 5G counter-interference prototype for the US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).
Under the project, the company will leverage its proprietary Communication Signal Interference Removal (CSIR) solution, a co-channel capability that reduces, isolates, and eliminates unwanted signals from an authorized network.
The CSIR can protect against varying threats, from continuous waves to multiple strong interferers, without prior data about those assets.
The platform is compatible with different receivers and can mitigate the risks of communication failures without “added complexity” for signals personnel, the firm wrote.
“Any signal interference is harmful to defense communications, and our 5G co-channel capability will ensure our customers have the crucial interference mitigation tool that helps them with communications resiliency,” iDirect Government President Tim Winter stated.
“Our high-performance, scalable and resilient product portfolio and enhancements bring flexibility, agility, transmission security and efficiency to warfighters.”
Securing ‘Seamless, Robust Communications’
According to the DIU, the contract supports the Pentagon’s initiative to increase SATCOM resilience for warfighters.
The effort is a response to the “detrimental impact” of modern effects on the dependability and quality of SATCOM signals due to the increase of 5G usage.
DIU noted that the project’s success will serve as a stepping stone to address other radio frequency interference challenges.
The solutions resulting from this objective are also planned to be adapted into other critical communication, autonomous, and navigational systems to protect against similar disruptions, the agency added.
“Addressing the challenge of 5G co-channel interference is more than a technical hurdle; it’s about ensuring seamless and robust communication for cutting-edge technologies from satellite communication to avionics support systems,” DIU Cyber and Telecommunications Project Manager Capt. Anthony Bustamante explained.
“Such advancements would dramatically enhance the reliability of both civilian and defense-related systems, ensuring they remain robust in the face of the increasingly congested [radio frequency] environments typical of modern global technology landscapes.”
“This could lead to substantial improvements in operational continuity and security across numerous platforms, benefiting a wide array of sectors reliant on precision electronic communications.”
Electronic Warfare Facility in Virginia
iDirect’s defense contract follows the launch of the company’s new Engineering Center of Excellence in Herndon, Virginia, in January.
The hub will further support the firm’s commitment to deliver electronic warfare and other transmission security services and development for the US military.
