Challenge

Background and context

The execution of Canadian Naval operations relies on multiple voice and data communication capabilities across the electromagnetic spectrum for command and control.

Currently, the RCN/CAF units or formed groups and security partners rely on specific communication pathways, or a predefined set of frequencies/network assignments for multiple and separate data and voice channels. Therefore, when 2 or more networks are required, this manually intensive process is repeated. This process tries to predetermine voice and data assignments regardless of the real-time electromagnetic environment availability or the bandwidth (BW) demands of all users, units or groups operating; and, it does not allow for adaptability or flexibility to respond to or exploit real-time Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum availability, congestion or contested (intentional and unintentional interference). Traditional communication pathways utilize fixed frequencies and power levels, which at times can lead to communication outages when the attenuation from the above mentioned factors are too high. An additional concern with traditional communication plans is that power levels are not adjusted based on actual conditions which can also lead to greater levels of Electro-Magnetic (EM) congestion as well as Emission Security (EMSEC) risks. When communication pathways fail, human intervention is required in order to analyze and determine alternate pathways which can be a time-consuming activity. In the modern battlespace where Assured Command and Control (AC2) is critical for operations, it is essential that these activities are automated to ensure C2 pathways are maintained and/or re-established in a timely manner.

The Canadian Forces Maritime Warfare Centre (CFMWC) describes “Cognitive Radio for Secure Naval Communications” as adaptive and flexible utilization of any portion(s) of the electromagnetic spectrum enabled by Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) techniques/algorithms to determine the best pathway(s) to reliably and securely connect end users and establish two-way communication between them. Cognitive Radio incorporates spectral scanning and analysis, smart switching, and other software enabled Radio Frequency (RF) capabilities for Line-of-Sight (LOS) and Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) communications. Cognitive Radio capabilities will provide greater agility, efficiency and flexibility by dynamically and automatically selecting appropriate and available communication pathways (frequencies, bandwidth, Internet Protocol (IP), serial or future transmission waveforms, networks, and modes) to reliably and securely connect users under varying conditions.

Assuming that bandwidth will always be limited, but available, and the requirement for power and energy management will remain (or worsen) when operating in congested and contested electromagnetic environments; how can the RCN understand and find ways to exploit and efficiently utilise the benefits of cognitive radio capabilities as a potential future key component of Navy communications?

Essential outcomes

Proposed solutions must provide automated and efficient spectrum monitoring and management capability:

• Agile, real-time electromagnetic spectrum monitoring and management (to ensure reliable, resilient and assured communications between ships, boats and crew (and partners)), and
• Able to operate in complex RF environments which may include contested spectrums and sources of RF interference.

Desired outcomes

The Royal Canadian Navy is looking for innovative research, tools and/or technologies that are required to provide assured communications within congested and contested Electromagnetic (EM) environments, including but not limited to the following:

• Dynamic Spectrum management capability to adapt to users and communication/interoperability requirements;
  • Automated/dynamic routing capability using, scalable pathways for establishing and maintaining reliable voice/data communications between various users (multiple and simultaneous internal and/or external)
    • Interoperability with the land and air environment,
    • Interoperability with allies
    • Flexibility to include other users (Government, and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) , International Community (IC), and others)
  • Increased resilience against cyber and electronic threats
• AI/ML communication control capabilities for cooperative spectrum management (and future enhanced functions)
  • Means and methods for BW and frequency adaptive/flexible communications
  • Voice and data communications between tactical and operational units in a congested and contested EM spectrum. (Near real time connectivity, scalable & resilient networks, self-healing or graceful degradation capability)
• Other:
  • Software defined radio (SDR) format or standards:
    • This challenge would be a success if the innovators created a spectrum sensing cooperative cognitive radio utilizing a framework that is compatible with some/all of the following
      • Redhawk/TOA
      • OpenCPI
      • GNURadio