Bittium and Telia Bring Resilient Mission-Critical Communications to 5G Networks for the First Time

Bittium and Telia have jointly implemented a hybrid network that extends the Finnish Defence Forces’ resilient communications into the 5G network. The hybrid network combines Bittium’s tactical communications network, which forms the core of the Defence Forces’ C5 system, with Telia’s 5G network, which serves as the backbone for wireless digital communications. The seamless entity provides the Defence Forces with secure communications and data transfer across an even more extensive network. The solution supports the flexibility and operational capability of defense operations, as well as cooperation with authorities and allied partners.

“At the core of developing support for military command is the consistent yet rapid development of C5 systems using modern technologies—combining the benefits of dual‑use technologies and military networks optimized to meet the requirements of the battlespace. The Finnish Defence Forces’ objective is to develop a strong Finnish communications platform based on a hybrid approach, offering a high level of automation and versatility to support Defence Forces operations. Telia and Bittium have successfully verified how communications for critical operations can be implemented securely and seamlessly by leveraging the strengths of both 5G networks and tactical communications networks,” states Defence Command Chief of C5, Major General Jarmo Vähätiitto.

At the heart of the network interoperability is Bittium’s next‑generation FUSOR software router, which enables agile and cost‑efficient extension of Bittium’s tactical network. FUSOR can be deployed on virtual platforms, seamlessly extending the tactical network’s resilient communications into the 5G network. Both FUSOR and Bittium’s tactical network routers use the same advanced routing protocol, enabling a dynamic Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) that always selects the optimal route for data transfer. Communications remain continuous despite changing circumstances.

“Bittium and Telia have verified to the Finnish Defence Forces how 5G can be used to complement and extend networks used in critical operations. With Telia’s 5G network, tactical networks can be interconnected reliably and securely in a manner required by rapidly changing situations. This implementation marks another milestone in our long‑term cooperation to harness 5G networks in support of critical operations,” says Jari Collin, Telia Finland’s Head of Mission Critical Division.

“With FUSOR, we are bringing resilient communications into 5G networks for the first time. Together with Telia, we are supporting defence requirements with a unified network that provides a high‑performance platform for the critical services, applications, and communications of mobile units, and for cooperation between partners. Communications can be flexibly extended across wide areas, which provides significant operational advantages, for example in situations where units operate at long distances from each other,” says Tommi Kangas, Senior Vice President of Bittium’s Defense & Security business segment.

Bittium and Telia will continue testing and validating the hybrid networks in operational environments.

Bittium

Click here to read the latest issue of ESD.