Protecting critical systems

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Fitelnet Oy

www.fitelnet.fi

Fitelnet specialises in EMP/HPM protection and designing, planning, and building radio and telecommunication networks, product development, and electrical assembly.

The voltage surges that result from the electromagnetic pulses (EMP) generated by intentional electromagnetic interference, a high-altitude nuclear detonation, or high-power microwave (HPM) weapons can easily damage or destroy all unprotected electronic equipment or components in their path – which is why the systems used by defence forces and official agencies need to be protected.

Fitelnet’s EMP/HPM-protected system cabinets – like this one designed as part of the DCN initiative – provide excellent attenuation up to 18 GHz.

Fitelnet’s system cabinets have been designed to provide this protection. The company’s EMP/HPM-protected cabinets feature stainless steel for strength, durability, and light weight; and have been tested for excellent attenuation up to 18 GHz. Interfaces and connectors, such as 2M transmission connectors, are EMP-protected and supplied to customer specifications. Optical interfaces can be used when higher rates are required. Interfaces are protected with Fitelnet’s advanced FAPS-8 filter, the most effective unit of its type on the market.

Securing your Ethernet connection

As many of the local area network (LAN) connections widely used for transferring critical data are copper-wire based, they used to be a problem from an EMP/HPM protection standpoint. Fitelnet has now eliminated this issue with the release of its unique FAPS-100 filter.

Designed for 10/100BaseT interfaces in EMP/HPM-secure cabinets and rooms, the Fitelnet FAPS-100 filter can protect Ethernet connections running at up to 100 Mbit/s, providing truly effective protection for highspeed data transfer in crisis situations.

Tailored solutions

A Fitelnet cabinet – used as part of a fixed system or integrated into vehicles and/or containers – can provide EMP/MPM protection for a variety of equipment, enabling platforms to operate in a wide range of environments. Each solution is closely tailored to customers’ specific requirements. A modular, rack-based solution is offered for TETRA base stations.

Fitelnet also supplies system shelters and trailers for crisis management operations, providing all the features required by military and official organisations when operating out in the field while giving access to an EMP/HPM-protected platform wherever needed. Shelters and trailers can include splinter cell protection, generators, air conditioning, humidity control, masts, and other capabilities.

Expert planning and design

Fitelnet’s new FAPS-100 filter is designed to protect 10/100BaseT interfaces in EMP/HPMsecure cabinets and rooms and can protect connections running at up to 100 Mbit/s.

In addition to its EMP/HPM work, Fitelnet also provides a wide range of telecom planning services, with a primary focus on TETRA technology, but covering other technologies as well.

Fitelnet has provided indoor coverage planning services for a number of demanding sites in the Middle East, for example, incorporating some of the most innovative and advanced solutions anywhere. Other sites to have benefited from Fitelnet’s planning expertise range from shopping malls and power plants to tunnels and towers.

A fully integrated system

The integrated DCN (Deployable COTS Network) concept harnesses commercially available technology to provide fast, reliable, and highly flexible mobile data networks – for military and civilian crisis management teams, as well as commercial operators working under particularly demanding conditions.

The concept uses the latest COTS data transfer technologies and combines the best of commercial systems with the best in military data transfer networks – and is the only solution currently available for mobile, high-capacity data transfer platforms for GSM, TETRA, UMTS, HF, and SATCOM networks.

Extensively based on the experience of the Finnish Defence Forces, with whom the underlying system was developed, DCN’s COTS technology is constantly being developed and upgraded.

Interoperability and availability

Based on standardised products offering full ITU-T
and NATO interoperability and easy transportability
Designed to meet wartime operational requirements
and function in all types of crisis conditions

Security

High levels of security are built in and a number
of different security configurations can be
implemented, enabling a DCN solution to meet
military and civilian, as well as mixed militarycivilian
needs
Subscribers can access a network securely through
a COTS access node using standard interfaces

Survivability

Modular structure designed with survivability in mind. Access networks can be dispersed over a large area, avoiding the creation of critical nodes and enabling a network to be managed from any node. This modularity provides valuable flexibility and makes it ideal for both national and international environments
System units are integrated into a transportable, EMP/HPM-protected system cabinet (SDH cable system unit, PDH radio link indoor unit, xDSL modem, TETRA base station unit)
Field system shelter equipped with COTS-level temperature control and meets tough vibration tolerance requirements

Connectability

Core and last-mile connections are implemented using microwave, radio, optical fibre, and copper cable technology
An HF radio station, compliant with the STANAG 5066 standard and featuring integrated LAN technology, can be connected to the network
Voice-over IP technology is used for voice connections, while router networks and data systems use IP technology.

> Markku Valkealahti

(Published in HighTech Finland 2010)