
Communications Systems
Reliable, resilient, and secure communications in any environment
Effective communications systems and networks are of vital importance to government, military, and commercial operations. Timely and reliable access to information enables decisive and informed action.
Johns Hopkins APL develops reliable, resilient, and secure communications technologies and systems for use in any environment. We apply our expertise in systems engineering, evaluation, and prototyping to address critical needs—from secure end-to-end networks in combat systems to mobile situational awareness tools for first responders.
Our work spans the communications spectrum—including radio frequency and microwave communications, satellite communication, laser communications, and wireless technology—and our status as a university affiliated research center allows our researchers to bridge the gap between available commercial communications technologies and the unique operational and tactical needs of our sponsors to deliver new secure capabilities and ensure the reliability and security of existing secure communication architectures.
Asutosh Dutta, Senior Wireless Research ScientistOn the battlefield, soldiers are constantly moving around and need to communicate with one another…they need the right information at the right time. Providing the right quality of service and end-user experience is important.
Related Projects
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Mobile Communications
Special Operations Forces (SOF) continue to rely on APL expertise to understand the communications technology landscape, inform requirements development, and identify options for mobile communications capabilities across a variety of operational scenarios. -
Senior Leader Helicopter Communications
APL is working with the Navy to enhance communications on the senior leader helicopter fleet. -
Visible Light Communications
For the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), APL is developing mission concepts and integrating operational prototypes of visible light communications capabilities in the Department of Defense—helping DISA enhance data security and alleviate demands on the limited radio frequency spectrum. -
Optical Communications at Sea
We successfully demonstrated a high-bandwidth free-space optical (FSO) communications system between two moving ships, proving operational utility of FSO technology in the maritime environment. -
Situational Awareness for First Responders
Under the direction of the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, APL partnered with the New York City Police Department’s Emergency Service Unit in April 2017 to field-test and evaluate a commercial Mobile Ad-hoc Networking (MANET) system.
Related News
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Press Release
Sep 28, 2023Johns Hopkins APL Partners With Space Systems Command to Evaluate New Classified Ground Systems Software
APL has forged a new partnership with the Space Systems Command to evaluate ground systems being designed for a new classified satellite network. The Lab will help ensure the government is using best software and cybersecurity practices while prototyping and demonstrating the new ground system. -
News
Jul 19, 2023Breakthrough Metasurface Materials Tech Unleashes Enhanced Control for Advanced Telecommunications and Beyond
Johns Hopkins APL researchers have developed a revolutionary metasurface materials technology that enables precise control over electromagnetic signals, offering potential for improved communications in crowded environments and promising advancements in telecommunications and low-power sensing applications. -
News
Jun 14, 2023Johns Hopkins APL’s Plummer Providing Engineering Expertise to Air Force Advisory Board
Anthony Plummer Jr., a communications and networking engineer in APL’s Asymmetric Operations Sector, is helping the U.S. Air Force tackle missile defense and other national security challenges as a member of the Department of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). -
Press Release
Apr 26, 2023Johns Hopkins APL’s Out-of-Band Communications Technology Receives Boost From Department of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security has awarded APL funds through its Commercialization Accelerator Program to help the Laboratory accelerate the commercial transfer of a novel technology that provides secure access to networks interrupted by cyberattacks or outages. -
Press Release
Mar 15, 2023New App Gives Emergency Responders Real-Time Data During Mass Casualty Incidents
Johns Hopkins APL is working with the federal Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to develop a software application to help first responders and decision-makers stay up to date during national emergencies.