
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
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. -
Press Release
Nov 28, 2022Johns Hopkins APL’s Dutta Reelected IEEE Communications Society Member-at-Large
Ashutosh Dutta, a senior wireless research scientist and chief 5G strategist in APL’s Asymmetric Operations Sector, has been reelected to serve as a member-at-large to the board of governors for the IEEE Communications Society, and recently received two prestigious IEEE honors. -
Press Release
Dec 10, 2021Johns Hopkins APL to Co-host Virtual Workshop on 5G Technologies for First Responder and Tactical Networks
APL will co-host the fourth annual Virtual Workshop on 5G Technologies for First Responder and Tactical Networks on Tuesday, Dec. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. -
Press Release
Nov 12, 2021For Johns Hopkins APL Networking Pioneer Weerackody, Senior IEEE Journal Post Provides the View From Space
Vijitha Weerackody, a communications engineer at APL, has been appointed senior editor of the Communications Systems and Network section of the journal IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems (TAES). -
News
Mar 18, 2021Johns Hopkins APL Technology Helps Mars Mission Phone Home
The Emirates Mars Mission, also known as “Hope,” stays connected to its operators on Earth using a novel radio provided by APL.