Spatially Aware Wireless Networks (SPAWN) for Higher Data Rate and Range Performance with Lower Probability of Detection

Technical solutions are needed to provide affordable, high-capacity wireless communications to United States Navy (USN) forces by exploiting commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies. There is also a pressing need to extend battlespace connectivity within a theater of operations, particularly for littoral and expeditionary warfare operations. Such requirements dictate the use of directional or "spatially aware" wireless networks, enabled by low cost, electronically-steered antennas. A phased array antenna system of this type has been implemented using Rotman lens technology, and antenna control applications and directional protocols are under development.