Army set to upgrade its communication network

Vijay Mohan

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Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 20

About nine years after the Army set up its Army Wide Area Network (AWAN) to meet its requirements for futuristic network centric operations, it is now upgrading the facility to overcome certain functional deficiencies and expand its reach.

Launched in February 2006, AWAN is a desktop-to-desktop- system connecting formations, units, training establishments and logistic installations across the country by providing secure exchange of information, including audio and video interface, directly from one user to another without intermediate manual handling.

The first phase of the system, according to a request for information floated by the army for upgradation, has limited reach and capability, which the proposed project seeks to enhance.

The system at present connects 175 centres. The upgrade envisions installing communication nodes at 300-500 locations pan India and this number is expected to increase further.

While most of the modes would be static, a certain number would be mobile, vehicle mounted units to cater to operation requirements. All nodes would be manageable through a central control point and also be integrated with the army’s Combat Radio Net.

While the Army is seeking private participation in the venture for setting up the infrastructure, hardware and basic software, it has barred participation of any foreign firm or inspection of the facilities by any foreigner. Encryption units for secure transmission would be sources separately. The first phase of AWAN was also established as a turnkey project by the private sector.

The AWAN had replaced the Automatic Message Switching System which was introduced in the mid-1980s as it was unable to meet the Army’s requirement due to its slow speed and technological obsolescence.