Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, has announced the introduction of the Secure Wireless Hub (SWH), a wearable tactical gateway solution designed for dismounted soldiers. This innovative device is lightweight, easy to carry, and simple to use. The SWH was developed in collaboration with U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) as part of a multi-phase effort to advance tactical communications for mobile ground forces.
The SWH is the first wearable device in Viasat’s portfolio of tactical gateway solutions. It features a flexible, all-in-one design that allows for rapid setup, enhancing user experience and situational awareness within minutes. Weighing less than one kilogram, the SWH integrates seamlessly with body armor without adding significant weight. It also reduces the physical load on soldiers by minimizing cabling by 85 percent compared to other wearable hub systems, thereby simplifying usage for ground operators.
Designed to meet the growing needs for tactical edge computing and networking, the SWH offers capabilities typically found in larger systems but in a compact form factor suitable for dismounted users. The device provides a body-worn tactical gateway that ensures interoperability previously only available in larger, transit box systems unsuitable for dismounted operations. Viasat’s NetAgility mobile software-defined networking platform powers the SWH, enabling it to use various tactical transports and advanced networking capabilities to enhance situational awareness and data exchange. The edge compute capability of the SWH also includes a secure VPN, supporting multiple transports and waveforms across various devices to ensure resilient connectivity and secure sharing of critical battlefield information.
David Schmolke, Vice President of Mission Connections and Cybersecurity at Viasat Government, stated, “Tactical edge operators need lightweight compute and resilient connectivity solutions to enhance Battle Management Command, Control, and Communications (BMC3) capabilities. The Secure Wireless Hub addresses these needs by tackling interoperability, automation, and security challenges for the dismounted user. It was designed with a user-focused approach, allowing warfighters to concentrate on their missions rather than their equipment.”
The modular design of the SWH allows tactical operators to configure connections for their missions, including LTE and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth for added resilience. The Secure Wireless Hub App integrates seamlessly with military devices, serving as a single-source configuration manager. As part of its development, Viasat collaborated with USSOCOM to conduct a comprehensive customer test and user assessment of the SWH system during the Strategic Level Joint SOF Fires Exercise last fall.
