Boeing has announced that it has proven the capability of its Directional NetWork System (DNW), the next generation of 100 megabytes-per-second+ mesh networking, during the U.S. Fleet Forces Command's (USFF) Trident Warrior 2010 (TW10) experiment off the coast of Southern California. DNW was the core system used in the operational tests, conducted June 14-16 by Boeing and the U.S. Navy.

The experiment demonstrated Boeing's ability to sustain network connectivity without satellite communications by using an airborne mesh network. This type of network provides multiple communications links between several platforms at more than 100 megabytes per second, ensuring reliable routing between any two users.

For the tests, DNW terminals were installed aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard off the coast of San Diego; at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton; at Point Loma in San Diego to simulate another ship; and inside a helicopter flying along the coastline. The tests demonstrated communications capabilities between all the terminals.

"The primary goal of Trident Warrior is to improve information dominance capabilities, maritime warfighting policy and procedures, and interoperability between U.S. and coalition partners," said Navy Capt. Carl Conti, USFF director of experimentation. "This means testing emerging technologies, tactics, techniques, and procedures that increase the capability of the warfighter."

"Boeing met its goal of passing data between ships, aircraft and shore sites through a network, ensuring connectivity with one another and with intelligence processing centers during critical warfighting operations," said Alex Lopez, vice president of Boeing Advanced Network and Space Systems (AN and SS). "This tool keeps information flowing in vital situations, increasing warfighters' safety."

The experiment was part of the larger Range of Warfare C2 (ROWC2) operations being conducted by the Navy's PMW/A-170 program and AN and SS, a division of Boeing Phantom Works.