TOPIC SPONSOR: 20 AF
As more manufacturers are searching to improve their communication link to unmanned systems, they are navigating away from the traditional Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5.8GHz) and incorporating the use of cellular bands (700MGHz, 800MGHz, PWS, and AWS) due to increased reliability, encryption, further connection range, reduced interference, and remote connection capability. Current counter unmanned systems operate by jamming the common Wi-Fi frequencies and, in some cases, jamming the GPS signal. Some systems are also being equipped with multiple layers of GPS, making GPS denial increasingly difficult. In the unmanned systems battlespace, how does the industry shift of utilizing high-density consumer and private cellular bands for control and communications affect military counter-drone technology and capabilities? Does the need for military security warrant the ability to disrupt critical public communication infrastructure if we introduce cellular denial options into our countermeasures? How would cellular and GPS denial disrupt important services such as 911, the monitoring of utilities, transportation communication, and even medical monitoring?