WIN-T Increment 2

Description

Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) Increment 2 provides an integrated tactical mobile network leveraging proven commercial and government technology. The system provides on-the-move network capability and a mobile infrastructure by employing military and commercial satellite connectivity and line-of-sight (terrestrial) radios and antennas to achieve end-to-end connectivity and dynamic networking operations.

Combat vehicles integrated with WIN-T Increment 2 provide the on-the-move communications, mission command and situational awareness that commanders need to lead from anywhere on the battlefield. WIN-T Increment 2 enables deployed Soldiers down to the company level operating in remote and challenging terrain to maintain voice, video and data communications while on patrol, with connectivity rivaling that found in a stationary command post. With WIN-T Increment 2, Soldiers can utilize applications for maneuver, fires and intelligence from inside vehicles, enabling commanders to make decisions on-the-move rather than being tied down to a fixed command post, ensuring effective and unpredictable offensive and defensive operations.

WIN-T Increment 2 began fielding in October 2012 and is fielded as the tactical network communications backbone of the Army’s capability sets. Going forward, unit requirements that can be satisfied with at-the-halt networking capability will remain with WIN-T Increment 1, while those units where mobility is critical to mission success will receive WIN-T Increment 2.

Main Components

• The Tactical Communications Node (TCN) provides the principal backbone element and supports command post operations for the WIN-T Increment 2 network. The TCN provides communication and networking equipment and allows the Soldier the ability to access the network at a variety of security levels. While at-the-halt, the TCN is equipped with a 10 meter, extendable mast to improve line-of-sight connectivity and larger satellite assemblage for high throughput.
• The Point of Presence (PoP) is installed on select platforms at division, brigade and battalion echelons, enabling mobile mission command by providing on-the-move network connectivity, both line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight.
• The Soldier Network Extension (SNE) is installed on select vehicles to provide on-the-move network communications to extend the network from the brigade down to the company level. Using its on-the-move satellite communication systems, the SNE can be used to heal and extend lower echelon tactical radio networks for geographically separated elements blocked by terrain features.
• The Vehicle Wireless Package (VWP) is a communications package for non-WIN-T Command and Control (C2) vehicles. The VWP B-Kit provides remote connectivity to a TCN via a Local Access Waveform for command and control vehicles during at-the-halt and on-the-move operations. It is a small form factor Local Area Network extension of the TCN’s satellite and terrestrial line-of-sight network systems.
• The Network Operations (NetOps) and Security Center (NOSC) provides network management and enhanced tactical network planning, administration, monitoring and response capabilities. The hardware is located on the vehicle and is connected by cables to the laptops and large display screens inside the tactical operations center where the communications officers manage the network.
• The Satellite Transportable Terminal Plus (STT+), a trailer-mounted ground satellite communications terminal with a generator, is used in conjunction with the TCN at the halt.