Expanding Tactical Networks Beyond the Horizon: How Bittium and KNL Deliver Seamless Hybrid Defense Communications

Flexible Integration at IP Level

The collaboration brings together complementary technologies for defence forces. Bittium’s high-performance TAC WIN digital backbone and Tough SDR tactical radios cover line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight operations, while KNL’s Cognitive Networked HF radios enable long-range connectivity reaching thousands of kilometres beyond the horizon. 

Together, they bridge VHF/UHF and HF technologies to extend tactical radio networks beyond the line of sight.

This integrated approach ensures continuous connectivity throughout the operational area, enhancing situational awareness and working seamlessly with battle management systems. 

Key benefits

• Seamless communications and resilient connectivity over HF, VHF, and UHF frequencies from line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight to beyond-line-of-sight operations. 
• IP-level integration between HF and VHF/UHF without requiring matching waveforms. 
• Reliable data transfer between tactical networks and remote patrols. 
• Network resilience when satellite and cellular infrastructure fail. 
• Compatible with C5ISR systems and battle management applications. 

Software-Defined Radio Enabling Versatile, Future-Proof Connectivity

The collaboration addresses critical operational scenarios through IP-level integration that unifies different radio technologies.  

Bittium’s tactical IP networks can cover extensive geographical areas, while KNL’s cognitive HF radios provide an independent backup option when satellite or fixed infrastructure is unavailable, connecting separated networks without third-party dependencies. 

Data flows directly from beyond the horizon into tactical IP networks and command systems. Reconnaissance units, naval vessels, or forces operating beyond line of sight maintain direct connectivity with command networks.  

A patrol hundreds of kilometres away transmits reconnaissance images and coordinates via HF radio, with information delivered seamlessly to command posts. Remote forces gain access to the same digital services – email, instant messaging, and data applications – as units within tactical network coverage. 

The integration also supports complex scenarios where a reconnaissance vehicle carries both Bittium’s Tough SDR Vehicular radio and KNL’s CNHF Manpack. Troops operate within a few kilometres using Bittium’s Tough SDR Handheld radios for local communications, while the vehicle maintains long-range HF connectivity back to command networks. 

The flexible SDR enables versatile battlefield connectivity through Bittium’s TAC WIN backbone and ESSOR IP networks, linking vehicles and dismounted soldiers via IP MANET data and PTT voice groups.  

For example, the Tough SDR Handheld radios at the frontline can link coalition troops to the same network with ESSOR High Data Rate Waveform – a waveform that has been adopted by NATO as STANAG 5651 interoperability standard for tactical communications. With the Tough SDR Vehicular and CNHF Manpack serving as a gateway between the ESSOR and TAC WIN networks, the system ensures seamless networking from edge to core. 

Cognitive HF for Resilient Beyond‑Line‑of‑Sight Integration

KNL’s cognitive networked HF technology has achieved performance levels that make IP-based integration practical. Where traditional HF radios struggle with IP protocols, CNHF radios can establish links in 0.5 seconds – enabling effective integration with modern tactical networks. 

With simultaneous monitoring of more than 4,000 channels, the CNHF system autonomously selects the best frequencies and adapts to changing conditions in real time. This intelligent operation maintains reliable transmission even in hostile environments, supporting UDP tunnelling for situational data and TCP tunnelling for critical communications. 

The collaboration succeeds because integration happens at the IP layer, not at the waveform level. Bittium’s VHF/UHF tactical radios and KNL’s HF radios operate on different frequencies with different modulation schemes, yet communicate seamlessly because the IP network unifies them. 

This provides resilient communications: when satellites are jammed or physical infrastructure is unavailable, beyond-line-of-sight HF links continue functioning independently.

Combined with Bittium’s expertise in hybrid tactical IP networks, the integration creates a seamless communications environment where HF serves as an alternative connection alongside satellite, cellular, and wired links. 

Bittium’s network management intelligently handles different bandwidth characteristics ensuring optimal performance across all connection types. 

Unified Solution Meeting Operational Needs

This collaboration demonstrates how specialized technologies can integrate to solve real operational challenges.  

The integration extends tactical networks beyond line-of-sight limitations, providing resilient communications and seamless connectivity regardless of distance or infrastructure availability.