Viasat Introduces Wearable Secure Wireless Hub for Advanced Network and Edge Communications

Rhea-AI Summary

Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT) has introduced the Secure Wireless Hub (SWH), a wearable tactical gateway solution for dismounted soldiers. Developed in collaboration with U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), the SWH offers:

• Lightweight design (<1 kg) with 85% less cabling than other systems
• Improved situational awareness and data exchange capabilities
• Integration with Viasat's NetAgility platform for advanced networking
• Secure VPN and edge compute capabilities
• Modular design supporting LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connections

The SWH aims to enhance Battle Management Command, Control, and Communications (BMC3) capabilities for tactical edge operators, addressing interoperability, automation, and security challenges.

Positive

• Development of a new product (SWH) in collaboration with USSOCOM, potentially opening new market opportunities
• SWH offers significant improvements in size, weight, and power (SWaP) compared to existing solutions
• Integration with Viasat's existing NetAgility platform, leveraging current technologies
• Potential for increased market share in tactical communications sector

Negative

• None.

Insights

Tech Expert

Viasat's introduction of the Secure Wireless Hub (SWH) represents a significant advancement in tactical communications technology for military operations. As a tech expert, I see several key implications:

• Miniaturization and Integration: The SWH's sub-kilogram weight and 85% reduction in cabling showcase impressive progress in miniaturization. This level of integration could set a new standard for wearable military tech.
• Edge Computing Capabilities: By offering edge compute in a wearable form factor, the SWH brings advanced data processing closer to the battlefield. This could dramatically improve real-time decision-making and reduce reliance on remote servers.
• Interoperability: The ability to utilize various tactical transports and waveforms addresses a critical need in modern warfare - seamless communication across different systems and devices.
• Software-Defined Networking: The incorporation of Viasat's NetAgility platform suggests a highly adaptable system, potentially allowing for rapid updates and reconfigurations as mission parameters change.

While the SWH shows promise, its real-world performance and adoption rate will be important to watch. The involvement of USSOCOM in testing lends credibility, but broader military uptake will be the true measure of its impact on Viasat's market position in defense communications.

Military Operations Analyst

The Secure Wireless Hub (SWH) from Viasat addresses several critical operational needs for modern military forces, particularly in special operations contexts:

• Mobility and Agility: The SWH's lightweight design (1 kg) significantly enhances soldier mobility, important for rapid deployment and covert operations.
• Situational Awareness: By enabling faster setup and improved data exchange, the SWH could dramatically enhance real-time situational awareness, a game-changer in high-stakes operations.
• Versatility: The modular design allowing for LTE and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth integration suggests adaptability to various operational environments, from urban to remote settings.
• User-Centric Design: The focus on user experience and simplified operation is vital. In high-stress combat situations, intuitive tech can make a critical difference.

However, it's important to note potential vulnerabilities. As a hub for multiple communications systems, the SWH could become a single point of failure if compromised. Additionally, its effectiveness will depend on the robustness of its cybersecurity measures, given the sensitive nature of tactical communications.

The collaboration with USSOCOM and field testing during joint exercises indicates a product aligned with actual operational needs, which bodes well for its potential adoption and effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

Secure Wireless Hub is a next-generation body-worn tactical communications system for dismounted operations

CARLSBAD, Calif., July 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today announced the introduction of Viasat's Secure Wireless Hub (SWH), a wearable tactical gateway solution for dismounted soldiers that is easy to carry and simple to use. The SWH solution was developed as part of a multi-phase effort with U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to identify and develop advanced tactical communications capabilities for mobile ground forces.

The SWH is the first wearable addition to Viasat's portfolio of tactical gateway solutions, providing a flexible, all-in-one design to enable faster set up for warfighters to improve user experience and support situational awareness within minutes. With a base of less than one kilogram, the SWH system offers significantly reduced size, weight and power (SWaP) to seamlessly integrate with body armor without adding unnecessary weight. In addition to reducing the physical load soldiers carry, the SWH provides an 85 percent reduction in cabling compared to other wearable hub systems, further simplifying ease of use for ground operators.

Viasat's SWH is designed to provide the capability of much larger systems to meet expanding requirements for tactical edge compute and networking in a small form factor for dismounted users. As a complete solution, the SWH will offer a body-worn tactical gateway that can provide a level of interoperability only previously seen in larger transit boxes that are too big for dismounted operations. Viasat's mobile software defined networking platform, NetAgility, will enable the SWH to utilize various tactical transports and advanced networking capabilities to improve situational awareness and data exchange. The edge compute capability will also offer a secure VPN, allowing the use of multiple transports and waveforms across a range of devices to provide resilient connectivity and safely share critical battlefield information.

"Tactical edge operators are seeking lightweight compute and resilient connectivity solutions to advance Battle Management Command, Control, and Communications (BMC3) capabilities. The Secure Wireless Hub is our latest tactical solution created to support this by addressing interoperability, automation, and security challenges for the dismounted user," said David Schmolke, Vice President of Mission Connections and Cybersecurity, Viasat Government. "The SWH was designed with a focus on a user experience that enables the warfighter to focus on the mission and not the equipment."

The SWH's modular design allows tactical operators to integrate and configure connections for their mission, including LTE and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth for additional resilience. Users can also benefit from the Secure Wireless Hub App that seamlessly integrates with military devices as a single source configuration manager. As part of the development effort, Viasat worked with USSOCOM to undergo a full customer test and user assessment of the SWH system during the Strategic Level Joint SOF Fires Exercise last fall.

Visit our website to learn more about the SWH and Viasat's portfolio of tactical networking and edge solutions.

About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people's lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space. In May 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X or YouTube. 

Copyright © 2024 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat Signal are registered trademarks in the U.S. and in other countries of Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements about the capabilities, features and benefits of the Secure Wireless Hub tactical gateway solution to be offered by Viasat. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: new and increasingly sophisticated cybersecurity attacks; contractual problems, product or software defects, regulatory issues, technologies that do not perform according to expectations; delays in approving U.S. government budgets and cuts in government defense expenditures; and increased competition and other factors affecting the government and defense sectors generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in Viasat's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including Viasat's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Viasat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/viasat-introduces-wearable-secure-wireless-hub-for-advanced-network-and-edge-communications-302209153.html

SOURCE Viasat, Inc.

FAQ

What is Viasat's Secure Wireless Hub (SWH) and when was it announced?

Viasat's Secure Wireless Hub (SWH) is a wearable tactical gateway solution for dismounted soldiers, announced on July 30, 2024. It's designed to provide advanced network and edge communications capabilities in a compact, lightweight form factor.

How does the Secure Wireless Hub (SWH) benefit soldiers using Viasat (VSAT) technology?

The SWH benefits soldiers by offering a lightweight (<1 kg) design, 85% reduction in cabling, improved situational awareness, secure VPN capabilities, and modular connectivity options including LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. It enables faster setup and improved user experience for tactical communications.

What key features does Viasat's (VSAT) Secure Wireless Hub offer for military operations?

Key features of Viasat's SWH include integration with NetAgility platform for advanced networking, edge compute capabilities, secure VPN, support for multiple transports and waveforms, and a dedicated app for seamless integration with military devices as a single source configuration manager.

How was Viasat's (VSAT) Secure Wireless Hub developed and tested?

The SWH was developed in collaboration with U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) through a multi-phase effort. It underwent full customer testing and user assessment during the Strategic Level Joint SOF Fires Exercise in the fall prior to its announcement.