Networking for highly distributed and mobile C3I systems using short wavelength, agile-beam communications technologies

Communications for highly distributed and mobile military command, control, communications, and intelligence (C3I) systems, such as constellations of sensor satellites or formations of aircraft, tactical vehicles, or naval vessels, pose unique challenges with regard to network management, low probability of intercept, and robustness. Short wavelength, agile-beam transmitters and spatially resolving multichannel receiver technologies provide viable options for meeting these communications challenges. These technologies include open-loop direct detection optical communications or millimeter-wave technologies. An example of such communications is developed and characterized for a hypothetical constellation of small surveillance satellites. This is followed by a discussion of how the approach might be applied to other C3I nodes having less regular motion.< >