Shipboard V-Band Wireless Network Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Topic No.: N05-042 Topic Title: Shipboard V-Band Wireless Network Proposal No.: N051-042-0844 Firm: Epsilon Lambda Electronics Corp. 427 Stevens Street West Chicago, Illinois 60134 Contact: Robert Knox Phone: (630) 232-9611 Web Site: epsilonlambda.com Abstract: The US Navy in topic N05-042, has identified the need to develop and demonstrate a shipboard, V-band wireless local area network (V-WLAN) with high data capacity and favorable propagation characteristics to avoid detection. Proposed is a WLAN network operating at 60 GHz that is light-weight, low-cost, highly reliable and secure from detection and jamming, operates in smoke, fog or dusty environment, and operates with low power drain. The company proposes during Phase I to carry out such a trade study to (1) define the link budget requirements for various V-WLAN configurations,(2) consider the Anti-Jamming/Low Probability of Intercept requirements, (2) consider operational effects of inclement environments, and multi-path effects, (3) consider operational ease and variability of use, including size, weight, product ruggedness, and power, (4) evaluate the COTS options for low cost implementation, and (5) perform a preliminary system configuration design leading to a low cost solution having adequate performance for the mission. Optional work includes a feasibility demonstration. Benefits: During Phase I critical design issues for the network, and individual links within the network, will be subjected to trade studies. The result will be a design approach for a robust, secure data network including functional systems specifications, block diagram, component specifications, packaging configuration and identification of available or emerging COTS hardware that may be used in a production design. Also during phase I option a simple, short range point-to-point link will be tested and demonstrated to further illustrate operation in contaminated environments and in the presence of multipath. The goal of Phase II research will be to design, fabricate and test a demonstration prototype V-band Wireless Network with several nodes. The company will seek a commercialization company for a Fast Track partnership among the companies that are seeking to supply equipment for very wide band wireless line-of-sight links. Since the band around 60 GHz has already been authorized by the FCC and other international spectrum regulatory bodies for unlicensed operation, the potential market is huge. These links will generally be used for short range, "last mile" type of applications. Many applications exist for such a system in the commercial, industrial markets where short range secure communications is mandatory, including banks, corporations, and law enforcement. Return