The US Department of Defense is actively studying the possibilities of integrating specialized and open technologies to support the implementation of 5G and Futureg initiatives, paying special attention to open architecture.
At the Technet Cyber conference in Baltimore, representatives of the Pentagon discussed the possibilities for public, private and hybrid networks. It was noted that there is a natural need for the most exclusive and safe networks in the field of national security. Sometimes in remote combat zones there is no infrastructure of wireless networks.
Under these conditions, the Ministry recommends the use of open radio accessories (oran) for private networks that provide more control over the exchange of information. According to Juan Ramirez, the director of 5G Cross-Functional Team in the Pentagon, it is expected that in the coming years the requirements that support the Orange architecture will appear, depending on budget capabilities.
However, private networks are not always the best solution. For example, in areas with existing infrastructure, there is no need to create new private networks if the existing roads and bridges meet the requirements. At the same time, in places where there is no adequate coverage, it is more advisable to use private networks to ensure communication.
Taking into account the growing geopolitical tensions between China and the USA in the Taiwan Strait, such decisions become especially relevant. To ensure communication in any condition, the Pentagon considers Orange, which allows various suppliers to work as a single network and provides more flexibility for scaling.
The Pentagon is actively promoting the study of Orange, while working on the standard implementation of 5G at military facilities and “smart bases”. The ministry hopes for additional support from congress through future bills on defense financing.
In the Pentagon budget for 2024, $143 billion for research, development, and testing of advanced technologies, including 5G and artificial intelligence, was requested. A significant part of expenses in recent years has been aimed at creating prototypes. The office of the Minister of Defense plays a key role in this process, but it is also proposed that certain services plan their budgets taking into account 5G.
The promotion of ideas developed by Orange Alliance, up to a completely open-source code, will ensure the necessary speed of introducing new functions and the possibility of quick innovation, Ramirez noted.