PacStar Launches Modular Radio Center to Enhance DoD Communications Interoperability
Modular, tactical radio, voice and IP integrated solution breaks down communications barriers between new and legacy radio technologies
PacStar announced the PacStar Modular Radio Center (MRC) – a COTS-based, modular, tactical and expeditionary, rugged radio, voice, and IP integrated solution that addresses communications interoperability challenges faced by the military, law enforcement, and public safety organizations.
DoD organizations rely on a large and diverse set of radio equipment (handheld radios, desktop phones, laptops, and intercom systems), waveforms, frequencies, and channels that can’t communicate with each other. A warfighter or operator in the field might not be able to talk with someone in a command post, on a vehicle, or in a headquarters unless they have the same radio equipment. PacStar MRC delivers unmatched situational awareness by bridging disparate radio waveforms into a single communication network on the PacStar 400-Series platform.
The core technology in PacStar MRC is provided by PacStar 463, an SCI TOCNET-G4-based Radio-over-IP (RoIP) / Voice module. PacStar 463 is a software-defined solution that provides RoIP, VoIP, and voice management capabilities in a single solution. PacStar 463 ensures compatibility and support for all major tactical radio types and VoIP protocols.
Key PacStar MRC Benefits: Enhances Radio Interoperability. Organizations have fielded systems providing radio interoperability and RoIP in the past – many of which were large, not rugged, and poorly integrated. PacStar MRC solves these communications challenges in the smallest available form factor, adapting popular radio types, phones, and intercom systems into a common communications format – Internet Protocol (IP).
Flexible and Scalable Deployment. PacStar MRC is a modular system that can be optimized for program requirements, scaling from small, soldier carry solutions to multi-radio network deployments across Forward Operating Bases, command posts, ground vehicles, and aircraft.
Unlocks Innovation. The speed at which technology can reach warfighters is critical to mission success. However, frequent fielding of new communications hardware and software can be expensive. By enabling interoperability between new and legacy radio technologies, PacStar MRC ensures organizations can fully leverage innovation without requiring all communications users to upgrade at the same time or to the same equipment.
Based on Proven Technology. PacStar MRC uses proven TOCNET RoIP and voice management technology deployed in more than 50 programs and 100,000 end units, along with networking and server modules and radio adapter sleds. PacStar MRC is based on PacStar 400-Series small form factor modular platform with the industry-leading reduction in Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP). IP communications capabilities in PacStar MRC are based on Cisco networking and Intel processors and are compatible with many large tactical networking programs.
“Interoperability has long challenged DoD and other organizations who rely on a diverse range of equipment, waveforms, and frequencies to communicate reliably and securely,” said Charlie Kawasaki, chief technical officer, PacStar. “PacStar MRC is based on technology that has been battle-tested across DoD programs, delivering a smaller, more modular, more complete, and more mobile solution than previously available.”