RC34 — Ultra-Wideband Network Controller

The RC34 is a software defined OSI Layer 2 and Layer 3 product for V/ UHF radio circuits, offering a STANAG 4691 Appendix A Mobile Ad Hoc Relay Line of Sight Networking (MARLIN) controller for HF extended line of sight (ELOS) data communication in a 19-inch rack mount unit.

This function enables seamless and proven end to end interoperability between strategic and tactical data systems for NATO and allied forces utilising ultra-wideband radio channels.

STANAG 4691 MARLIN
STANAG 4691, also known as Mobile Ad Hoc Relay Line of Sight Networking (MARLIN), is a NATO specification designed to facilitate internet protocol (IP) data transfers in multi node, multi hop dynamic networks employing V/UHF line of sight (LOS) and HF extended line of sight (ELOS) radio circuit networks.
In environments where SATCOM availability is constrained due to equipment limitations, cost considerations or SATCOM denied areas, MARLINMARLIN’s utilisation of V/UHF LOS emerges as a practical alternative. Furthermore, the widespread availability of legacy tactical voice radios that support UHF bands could be utilised to transport IP data using STANAG 4691 (MARLIN).

MARLIN radio circuit networks offer interoperability of allied forces by allowing the exchange of tactical data with all sea surface, sub surface, airborne (mobile) and land (fixed) platforms.

MARLIN Network Controller
The RC34 RC34’s MARLIN controller conforms to the STANAG 4691, Annex A, by providing functionalities, such as automatic network discovery, collision avoidance, error free data delivery using the embedded ARQ protocol, multi hop Mobile Ad H oc Networking (MANET) operation and slot merging for adaptive data throughput control.
The MARLIN controller utilises a synchronous Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) scheme called Distributed Slot Reservation Media Access (DSRMA). Each MARLIN node, except during  radio silence, maintains a fixed allocation of time slots in each frame. The number of allocated slots per node adjusts automatically based on data demands through a dynamic bandwidth allocation mechanism.

System Integration
For the STANAG 4691 MARLIN UHF solution, the RC34 is utilised in conjunction with the u ltra wideband V/UHF S4691 waveform provided by the RM34. A link encryption module may be connected between the controller and modem. Typically, an IP router connects to the RC34 controller, while a V/UHF radio interfaces with the RM34 modem.
The RC34's utilises the following RM34 embedded waveforms during STANAG 4691 A (protocol) operations.

Deployment
The R C 34 offers a compact ½ of 1U 19-inch rack mountable form factor, ensuring flexibility in deployment across sea surface vessels, sub surface submarines, airborne (mobile) platforms, and land based (fixed) installations. The standard interfaces offered by the RC 34 seamlessly integrate cryptographic equipment, and management systems, facilitating convenient deployment in various operational environments.