The British Army has selected Persistent Systems to equip its global response force with a next-generation tactical communications network designed to deliver voice and high-speed data connectivity without dependence on fixed infrastructure.
The system, known as Wave Relay, will be deployed with the 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, allowing soldiers to send messages, share video and imagery, and monitor friendly and adversary positions on digital battlefield maps in real time.
Central to the capability is the MPU5 Radio, which employs **Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) technology. This approach enables mobile devices to operate as routers within a self-forming network, ensuring reliable connectivity in fast-moving and complex operational environments.
Should a node fail or move beyond range, the network dynamically reroutes communications through other connected nodes to keep the system operational.
Soldiers from the 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team conducted trials of the technology last year in jungle terrain, where dense vegetation and humidity often degrade radio signal performance.
Integrated Cloud Networking
The solution also features the Cloud Relay gateway, which links the mesh network to the internet and allows geographically separated MANET networks to interconnect through cloud infrastructure, effectively forming a larger unified network.
Alongside the MPU5 Radio, the deployment package includes ruggedized displays, control units, and supporting dismounted communication kits for troops in the field.
