Author: Christopher Tozzi
Date published: August 27, 2024
“A seamless and secure exchange of information can make all the difference between success and failure on the battlefield and military installations,” according to Government Insider Technology.
Networks are the lifeblood of any organization. Modern networks can move information more efficiently and reliably than some older, legacy systems like a time-division multiplexing (TDM) network. Analog and copper lines have successfully delivered critical services to organizations for years, but regulatory changes may require a new approach that can be necessary and may improve operational efficiencies.
And in military contexts, where network speed and availability are everything, network modernization that has the ability to work in tandem with legacy technologies is a key enabler of success.
TDM network modernization is a critical step military decision-makers should be taking now to help improve the performance of their networks. Keep reading for a look at what TDM network modernization could mean for the networks the military depends on—and what the military stands to gain by investing in more networking modernization while ensuring compatibility with legacy networking needs.
TDM, which stands for time-division multiplexing according to Tech Target, is a networking technique that makes it possible to move multiple streams of data simultaneously over a single signal path (such as a wire or radio frequency). This is important because most networks need to support multiple parties, and using the TDM method to share a signal path is more efficient than building separate connections for each set of data senders and receivers. For this reason, TDM has been a central component of most analog networks for decades.
In the age of digital networking, it’s important to take the next step to remain cutting-edge. Digital networks offer better ways of enabling multiple data streams to flow across a single signal path, as data moves based on the TCP/IP protocol and is managed primarily using software-based networking tools. On digital networks, you can break data into small fragments—called packets—and use software to quickly and efficiently route large volumes of packets across a shared signal path. That can enhance TDM, which was designed for networks where data is managed via hardware devices and routed across signal paths like copper telephone wires or radio signals. TDM network modernization is the process of updating networks that depend on the TDM signal management technique to provide more efficient forms of networking. TDM network modernization offers the following benefits:
The potential for higher transfer speeds, since more data can flow over a single signal path.
Enhanced network reliability and lower risks of downtime thanks to the redundancies and automated failover functionality that modern networks offer.
More control over how traffic flows, because software-based management offers the ability to implement finer-grained traffic policies.
Lower security risks, due to the ability to inspect traffic and enforce security policies using software tools.
For the military, in particular, a move toward fully modern networks opens up important opportunities as described below.
The ability to roll out new network connectivity quickly is paramount for mission-readiness, since it may be necessary to deploy forces to regions where reliable networking infrastructure doesn't exist. TDM network modernization allows the military to take full advantage of digital networking infrastructure, such as satellite links, to connect forces operating in remote regions while still maintaining the network quality and security controls necessary to power high levels of performance.
Modernized networks can move more data in less time, thanks both to the ability to route traffic intelligently and to the higher data transmission capacity of modern network infrastructure. For the military, this is key to taking advantage of next-generation technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted weapons systems that need to transmit vast amounts of data in real time. For example, Lockheed Martin recently tested flying 5G-enabled drones to capture and securely transfer high-speed, near real-time surveillance data.
Network modernization can help military stakeholders protect sensitive data, a key consideration in military contexts where the ability to help protect military planning and operational information can be mission-critical.
Software-defined network architectures help to make it easy to operate private networks where only authorized parties can connect. Networking re-designs, especially those involving TDM transformations, can be greatly enhanced by investing in software-defined network capabilities. Software-defined networks afford organizations both resiliency and security. Resiliency is realized with intelligent routing mechanisms which can autonomously route traffic through most optimal paths, based upon link availability, network congestion, or application needs. SDN capabilities can also incorporate tailored security policies to specifically help protect against threats both holistically and specifically related to the attack surface. The ability to inspect network traffic and detect malicious activity using software-based controls helps to prevent cyberattacks.
Network failures can have profound operational consequences for forces that depend on the network to receive intelligence and coordinate activities. The reliability features built into modern networks mitigate the risk of failures due to problems like network traffic overload or hardware device failures. This is because software-based routers can quickly prioritize packets to keep the most critical information flowing—even in situations where network performance is partly compromised.
In addition, modernizing TDM networking reduces the risk of signal interference because, unlike TDM-based networks, modern networks can share multiple signal paths and automatically route traffic to a different path if one becomes blocked by signal jamming, a method adversaries may use to disrupt military communication systems.
Many military bases use a mix of new and old technologies to serve its missions and support both employees and residents. As noted above, modernizing a TDM-based network doesn't mean that legacy systems designed for TDM networking become unusable. On the contrary, because software-defined networks maximize flexibility, they can support backward compatibility with legacy technologies, such as hardware radios that can only communicate via TDM-based radio links.
This means that TDM network modernization allows the military to take full advantage of more modern networking solutions while continuing to benefit from legacy systems, including those that were designed for TDM networking.
The modernization of military bases can include innovative 4G LTE and 5G solutions that can provide reliable network backhaul or redundant backup capabilities, in addition to supplementing signal shortcomings of Wi-Fi solutions in areas with dead zones and other areas with little-to-poor coverage.
Modern network technologies, such as fixed wireless access (FWA), can allow forces to architect and operate flexible, scalable networks that do not depend on static, traditional cabled network infrastructure. Fixed wireless access solutions can reduce the need for separate wiring at every location which provides cost-effective network architecture by using either 5G or 4G LTE wireless technology that enables fixed broadband access using radio frequencies.
The world is rapidly moving to take networks to the next level and the military is at the forefront of this change. Modern networks are a crucial foundation for taking advantage of new military technologies, while also optimizing communications for far-flung forces.
Verizon offers a range of secure, high-performance solutions built especially for U.S. defense needs. From smart base technology to seamless 5G connectivity to private wireless networking and beyond, Verizon is equipped to meet the unique communication needs of military forces. These solutions can integrate seamlessly with legacy systems and enable you to gain vital ground on your transformational needs.
Learn more about how Verizon helps modernize the networks that power military operations.
The author of this content is a paid contributor for Verizon.