Hughes Network Systems campus in Germantown, MD. Photo Credit: Hughes

Hughes Network Systems is introducing a software-defined networking product geared toward defense needs called Hughes Smart Network Edge. 

The software serves as a virtualized SD-WAN router and can remotely manage multi-transport modems across any combination of commercial and military communication networks – including cable, fiber, 5G, Geostationary Orbit (GEO) and Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. It autonomously selects routing paths and distributes packetized data across multiple networks, and also accommodates modems with anti-jam capabilities. 

Rick Lober, vice president and general manager of Hughes Defense & Government Systems division said this represents years of work to help the DoD use equipment and transports from multiple providers. 

“It’s software-defined networking in the very broadest sense, orchestrating typically stove-piped communications systems in use across the DoD to enable secure network interoperability and resiliency at scale,” Lober commented.