Special Ops forces seek mobile battlefield net

The Special Operations Command is seeking input from industry on how to construct a wireless network to connect ground troops and equipment such as vehicles and unmanned aircraft, according to a notice posted April 30.

Specifically, SOCOM wants advice on how non-developmental mobile ad-hoc networking (MANET) would enable dismounted Special Forces to establish and maintain a high-bandwidth wireless network without having to depend on fixed infrastructure, the notice said.

The MANET devices sought must be configured for man-portable, fixed and airborne requirements, the notice said.