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Army boosts satellite communications in Afghanistan and Iraq
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The Army is providing mobile satellite communication systems featuring WANscaler accelerator technology from Citrix Systems to soldiers in the field to optimize communications between combat teams in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Army project manager for the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical Commercial Satellite Terminal Program is funding the system through the Army’s $5 billion World-Wide Satellite Systems contract vehicle.
The order includes options for approximately 1,500 deployable satellite communication terminals and supporting equipment in various sizes and configurations over the next few years, along with as many as 30 field support personnel.
The terminals support Ku-, Ka- and X-band frequencies, with L-band service available and internet access interface. WANScaler accelerates performance by an average of five to 30 times and automatically optimizes traffic loads. It supports Space Communication Protocol Standards and improves delivery of LandWarNet to soldiers. The system reduces the need to build more satellites to improve frontline communications as well as provide faster communication for combat teams.
According to Tom Simmons, area vice president for government systems for Citrix, the addition of Citrix WANScaler helps the army better utilise its tactical terrestrial and wireless IP networks by automatically optimizing traffic loads.
”With the help of Citrix and TCS, the Army can make better use of existing infrastructure, eliminating the need to build more satellites to improve front line communications – and that saves billions of taxpayer dollars,” said Simmons.
”More importantly, these improvements will result in faster communication for combat teams, meaning our troops on the ground will have better access to the information they need for mission success.”
Michael Bristol, senior vice president of government solutions for TCS, added, ”Citrix WANScaler is an integral part of our SNAP system, as its performance is closely tied to the seamless network optimization that WANScaler provides. This synergistic association is also reflected in our overall relationship with Citrix, which has been customer-focused and responsive.”