The Evolution Of Directional Networking Systems Architecture

Directional networking is a critical technology for achieving spectrum efficiency. It also has other key advantages for military applications such as reduced probability of detection and improved antijam capabilities. While directional networking is just catching on commercially in technologies such as IEEE 802.11ad, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has been actively investing in this technology for many years. The technology has been deployed for some time in systems such as highband networking radio. The U.S. DoD and numerous defense companies continue to invest in this technology as it evolves to meet the emerging needs of concepts such as the joint aerial layer network. This chapter reviews past activities and anticipated directions for military directional networking in the future.