New Use for Command Office Florescent Light

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Next-generation command operations centers of the US Military will be based on innovative technologies in various fields. One of them is Li-Fi, which uses light as an alternative to wireless connection technology. It utilizes light to transmit data and position between devices. The US Marine Corps wants to test using light as a power source for its networks. As part of a pilot program, the Corps is experimenting with the technology after receiving a requirement from headquarters Marines Command, Control, Communications, Computers. 

Using the florescent lights in the command’s operation centers could not only make the centers more expeditionary, but also reduce the center’s radio-frequency footprint. This is important because adversaries such as Russia have demonstrated they can use that footprint to geolocate and target with missiles or mortars.

The Li-Fi pilot would both reduce the setup and tear down time of command operation centers because there would be less cables, but it would also make the centers more secure from a signature emanation standpoint.

The Marines will have to be able to manage their signature; technical signature, administrative signature and physical signature, a Marine Corps official told c4isrnet.com. He said this type of technology could also have more broad implications if Li-Fi technology could be used at traditional, static buildings as well. He added that they expect the results from the pilot to come in no later than September 2020.