Coherent Distributed Techniques for Tactical Radio Networks: Enabling Long Range Communications with Reduced Size, Weight, Power and Cost

Abstract

This paper addresses the use of distributed coherent communication techniques across a wireless network of tactical radios to enable extended-range communications. Conventional tactical communication systems providing multi-kilometer terrestrial ranges utilize large and costly manpack or vehicular-mount radios. In this paper we discuss techniques for distributing the transmit functions coherently across a network of small, low-power squad radios to achieve similar ranges. We present a testbed implementation of these techniques and over-the-air demonstrations of coherent distributed transmit communications at 3.5 km standoff and 1.25Mbps data rates using radios operating with under 20dBm of transmit power each.