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Mission Network: At-The-Halt

TNT-ATH

Tactical Network Transport-At The Halt (TNT-ATH) enables global mission command and robust voice, video, and data communications anywhere on the planet. TNT-ATH leverages a combination of high-capacity line-of-sight (radio) and beyond-line-of-sight (satellite) communications nodes for multipath diversity and resiliency in contested environments. These robust network communications systems operate at-the-halt and at-the-quick-halt (ATQH) and deliver the real-time data that commanders need to make rapid informed decisions. 

To support expanding network requirements and improve the readiness of today’s operational force, the Army continues to modernize the TNT-ATH capability, improving mobility, computing power, and interoperability, while optimizing and increasing bandwidth and resiliency in congested and contested environments.

Product Manager Mission Network has been delivering the Network Integration Technology Enhancement (NITE) since fiscal year 2021 to refresh the Army’s widely fielded Joint Network Node (JNN) and Command Post Node (CPN) equipment, which is reaching end of life. The NITE equipment package includes modernized JNNs and CPNs, and user access cases and software-based virtual server stacks. The modular NITE solution provides a more than 200 percent increase in computing power, while reducing size, weight and power (SWaP) and equipment setup time for increased mobility. The equipment is also easier to operate and maintain. These benefits are derived from new commercial hardware, software and virtualization technologies. The new modular equipment is being deployed in transit cases with tow handles and wheels, and improves the current shelter solution, increasing maneuverability, commonality within the TNT-ATH portfolio and operational flexibility. NITE also reduces system power requirements, enabling the use of vehicle power for short-term ATQH operations. Soldiers can simply pull over to the side of the road during convoys or relocating the command posts and rapidly power up their CPNs using vehicle power and a cable, versus having to set up a separate generator. In conjunction with the NITE deliveries, PdM Mission Network has been delivering enhanced Satellite Transportable Terminals (STTs) that address STT obsolescence, increase capability, modularity, mobility, and operational flexibility, and reduce SWaP for a more expeditionary force.

Additionally, PdM Mission Network is accelerating efforts to redesign and field three enhanced TNT- ATH configuration items, which will be known as the NITE CPNv2, NITE JNNv2, and a next generation STT to be known as the Large Deployable Terminal (LDT) as part of PM Tactical Network’s Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Family of Terminals. Once fielded, the new designs will replace the current systems in the ATH fleet. These designs modernize the TNT-ATH baseline even further than current upgrade efforts and will significantly reduce cost, deployability requirements, and Soldier burden, while increasing network security, flexibility, maneuverability and command post survivability. The redesigns will support the integration of future emerging technologies and convergence into PM Tactical Network’s innovative Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Family of Terminals and Unified Baseband acquisition approaches.

Capabilities

  • The Army’s traditional TNT-ATH portfolio contains three main transportable network nodes that provide high-speed wide area network capability for secure voice, video and data exchange. The Tactical Hub Node (THN) support division and above headquarters; the Joint Network Node (JNN) supports brigade and above headquarters; and the Command Post Node (CPN) supports battalion-level headquarters and smaller-sized units.
    • As part of the SATCOM Family of Terminals, Project Manager Tactical Network will modernize the current THN design, which consists of the Unit Hub Node (baseband) and the Unit Hub Satellite Truck. The modernization effort will result in a multi-band beyond-line-of-sight capability for division-level units and above, with a sizable reduction in SWaP and significant improvements in modularity and transportability. This next generation THN will be known as the Extra Large Deployable Terminal (XLDT) and will part of the SATCOM Family of Terminals. 
  • Satellite Transportable Terminals (STTs) operate in conjunction with JNNs and CPNs. These satellite terminals are designed to establish secure voice, video and data communications virtually anytime and anywhere. Future modernized capability will be known as the Large Deployable Terminal (LDT) and will be part of the SATCOM Family of Terminals.
  • As part of the Army’s Capability Set network modernization efforts and Family of SATCOM Terminals approach, Scalable Network Nodes (SNNs) support Expeditionary Signal Battalion-Enhanced (ESB-E) and other expeditionary formations. The SNN provides a significant reduction in the footprint requirements of an ESB-E, replacing all of its JNN, CPN, STT, and Single Shelter Switch (SSS) equipment items within a formation with a single equipment kit. The smaller footprint of the SNN and reduced complexity of the kit has enabled modernized ESB-E formations to significantly increase their Command Post support, while reducing transportation requirements by over 60 percent. The SNN can be setup in minutes, and each SNN can immediately begin to support operations using an included 2kW generator until the support unit is able to provide increased power.