Pocket-Sized Field Radio Has Portable Internet, Satellite Links

San Francisco-based tech company Somewear Labs has taken the wraps off a pocket-sized military multi-networking communication device called Node that can automatically switch between internet-like mesh radio and satellite communications, David Szondy reported for New Atlas.

Photo Insert: Designed for not only military but civilian applications, Node handles multiple data channels using its SmartBackhaul routing software to create a mesh radio network and boasts end-to-end encryption.

Billed as the first-of-its-kind, Node is about the size of a smartphone, weighs in at about 6.8 oz (192 g), and would be easy to mistake for an external hard drive. However, it isn't the compactness that is the selling point but its capabilities.

Modern field radios are used increasingly to not only communicate directly to soldiers but to link them together into a data network sharing an increasingly large stream of information.

The problem is to make sure that every radio unit remains in touch with the rest of the network and that the network itself remains linked to the internet and other communication systems.

Designed for not only military but civilian applications, Node handles multiple data channels using its SmartBackhaul routing software to create a mesh radio network and boasts end-to-end encryption.

It works by linking together individual Nodes like a miniature internet where every unit takes an active role in moving the data around and supporting the network instead of relying on a single control center.

This allows the system to operate over large areas and in places like underground tunnels where conventional radios fail.

WEEKLY FEATURE : MVP Group Keeps Lights On During Pandemic