Crossbanding: the key to interoperability

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Adaptability, flexibility and interoperability are increasingly important for the modern warfighter, especially when it comes to communication. Soldiers in any scenario not only need to communicate with one another, but often with other fighting forces. But with different radio systems in use, as well as legacy systems and next-generation radios, that isn't always easy. Until now, thanks to INVISIO's addition of crossbanding to ensure interoperability and add to the flexibility offered by its systems.

Crossbanding enables the relay of audio between separate nets - meaning a signal received can be pushed from one net onto another through an audio bridge. The feature, enabled by INVISIO's body worn control units, is activated and deactivated through a simple key combination on the control unit. Radio signals can be crossbanded on a uni-directional basis as well as on a bi-directional basis, all at the touch of a button.

The feature was developed by INVISIO's R&D team to address comms challenges including the need for interoperability between new and legacy radios and comms systems, as well as between different types of radios, waveforms or frequencies. It also addresses the need for flexibility to adapt comms to different mission scenarios on-the go, as well as the need to reduce the overall cost of comms systems - allowing more flexibility than ever between different systems.

Intercommunication between long-range radios and short-range squad radios previously required a separate piece of equipment - with all the accompanying weight, cost and space issues. The addition of crossbanding removes this issue - providing a simple set up with fewer components and less overall cost. Using INVISIO's existing body worn system, the feature is simply enabled by connecting a crossbanding cable using INVISIO's IntelliCable® technology to add the capability to the system.

As well as facilitating radio-to-radio comms, crossbanding also allows the interface of any audio system, with INVISIO's groundbreaking feature providing the potential to crossband software-based communication applications and interface to radio, providing even more flexibility to communications scenarios in the field and potential added value in the future.

Colin Argue, Director of Global Business Development at INVISIO, told Soldier Modernisation: “With technology moving forward so quickly, it isn't unusual for some forces or organisations to have more advanced comms systems than others. This adds another obstacle to effective communication, with users either having to carry extra equipment - a burden physically and mentally - or struggling to communicate effectively full stop due to having incompatible systems. The addition of a crossbanding feature to our systems makes it easier than ever for different units, organisations or fighting forces to communicate with each other, regardless of whether they have the same systems or not. It provides more flexibility than ever and ensures unrivalled communications during missions where different groups are cooperating.”

Crossbanding adds value in a range of user scenarios. Most obviously, it allows organisations that may have different radio systems but often need to cooperate on missions - such as military, police, public safety or other first responders, to communicate easily. In addition, the use of crossbanding reduces the potential for user error and allows faster deployment of teams, as well as the ability to communicate dynamically as and when needed mid-mission or incident.

For fighting forces looking to expand their comms footprint, crossbanding is key in allowing the expansion of operational capacity through the addition of newer radios to legacy systems. Rather than having to replace an entire system, a new radio or radio waveform can be introduced while older inventory is phased out. Not only does this bring increased flexibility, but also addresses the issue of cost effectiveness.

Colin Argue added: “As with all of our features and systems additions, INVISIO's crossbanding feature has been created in response to known challenges when it comes to communications. This feature not only helps individual users communicate more effectively than ever before, but provides far-reaching benefits in terms of increasing comms footprints, ensuring cost-effectiveness and allowing interoperability more easily than ever before, bringing clear benefits in the field for all involved.”

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