KNL and Bittium recently organised a joint demonstration event showcasing seamless IP-level integration between KNL’s Cognitive Networked HF radios and Bittium’s Tough SDR tactical radios.
The demonstration highlighted how tactical units can extend their communications beyond line of sight while maintaining interoperability with local VHF/UHF networks.
The event builds on the companies’ recently announced collaboration to integrate HF and VHF/UHF tactical communications at the IP level, enabling flexible and resilient network architectures without requiring waveform compatibility.
KNL’s CNHF Manpack
Bittium’s Tough SDR tactical radios
Demonstrating extended tactical connectivity
The demonstration scenario consisted of two operational locations separated by approximately 200 kilometres.
One location represented a deployed vehicle patrol equipped with a Bittium Tough SDR Vehicular radio and a KNL CNHF Manpack HF radio. Dismounted soldiers operated Bittium Tough SDR Handheld radios for local communications within the patrol.
The second location represented a command post with a CNHF Manpack and a Tough SDR Vehicular radio.
Demonstration setup with two locations
Using the integrated system, the teams demonstrated how tactical data can be routed seamlessly between local radio networks and long-range HF links.
During the demonstration, the command post transmitted SIP messages over HF to the patrol, where the messages were received through the Bittium radios within the local network.
The second scenario focused on CNHF remote operation. Over the ESSOR link between the patrol and the vehicle, the dismounted patrol remotely operated the vehicle-mounted CNHF radio, accessing its built-in web interface for e-mail and instant messaging services.
The teams also demonstrated the sharing of situational awareness data. Dismounted soldiers transmitted situational information to the vehicle via the VHF/UHF tactical network. The vehicle communications system, combining the CNHF Manpack and Tough SDR Vehicular, routed the data over HF to the command post. The command post analysed the information and sent operational plans back to the patrol.
This approach enables tactical units operating in the field to remain connected to command structures even when satellite communications or fixed infrastructure are unavailable.
Demonstrating the sharing of situational awareness data
Combining NATO-standard tactical waveforms with HF
One of the key aspects of the demonstration was the use of the ESSOR High Data Rate Waveform within the Bittium Tough SDR radios.
ESSOR HDRWF is NATO’s interoperability standard for tactical communications (STANAG 5651), designed to enable secure data exchange and cooperation between coalition forces using different radio platforms.
While ESSOR enables interoperability within line-of-sight tactical radio networks, the demonstration showed how these networks can be extended over much longer distances using HF communications.
By integrating HF at the IP level, the system bridges local tactical networks and beyond-line-of-sight communications without requiring waveform-level integration between the radios.
Visitors from several countries taking part in the demonstration event
International interest in hybrid tactical networking
The demonstration event attracted visitors from several countries interested in resilient communication solutions for modern defence operations.
Hybrid networking solutions that combine tactical VHF/UHF radios with long-range HF connectivity offer a practical way to extend command and control networks across large operational areas while reducing dependence on satellites or fixed infrastructure.
The joint KNL–Bittium solution demonstrates how existing tactical radio systems can be extended with long-range HF capabilities, enabling continuous connectivity from dismounted units to command structures across the battlefield.