The Corps of Signals is well poised to exploit the state-of-art modern communication techniques for meeting the requirements of the Indian Army in the 21st century. Some of the areas where the Corps is already in the process of exploiting are the Cellular Radio (both GSM & CDMA), WLL, mobile trunked radio, mobile satellite systems, OFC and so on. Advanced data transmission techniques such as SDH and PDH are also being used.
Army Radio Engineered Network (AREN)
“This indigenously conceived Area Grid Radio Communication system for the formations launched more two decades ago has since grown into a potent tool for the Commanders to exercise Command and control and automated interoperable information and decision support systems in their area of responsibility. The PlanAREN communication System is being replaced by state-Of-The–Art Tactical Communication System (TCS). The project is being progressed as per ‘Make’ Procedure of Defence Procurement Procedure.
Army Static Switched Communication Network (ASCON)
The ASCON was evolved to integrate the telecommunication infrastructure of the hinterland with the tactical communication networks. It is a digital, fully automated, secure, reliable and
survivable static communication system based on microwave radio, optical fiber cable, and satellite and mill metric wave communication equipments. Value added Services such as FAX, TELEX, Data Transfer and Video are also available to defence users on this network.
Troposcatter Communication Systems
The Corps of Signals have harnessed the potential of Troposcatter Communications basically to meet the requirements of mechanised formations operating in rapidly changing tactical environments and for responsive and quickly deployable mobile systems to provide cross-linkages and integration with the communication networks in the tactical zones. The Digital Mobile Troposcatter Systems are operated by specialized Signal Groups. The ASCON was evolved to integrate the telecommunication infrastructure of the hinterland with the tactical communication networks. The ASCON Ph 3, was inaugurated by the Hon'ble Raksha Mantri at Vigyan Bhawan on 13 Sep 06.
Satellite Communication (SATCOM)
Conventional communication system derived over field and permanent lines and radios could not be satisfactorily establishment over mountainous and snow-clad areas of borders in India. Hence, the Corps has developed expertise and are already exploiting the latest facilities available by using satellites for the far flung areas devoid of communication and for UN Missions. For exchange of formal correspondence directly from desktop-to-desktop, without manual handling/intervention advance version of Army Wide Area Network is being fielded.
Strategic Broadband Satellite Network
The satellite network having geographically redundant hubs. It was dedicated to the nation by Hon'ble Raksha Mantri on 07 Aug 05.
Computer Data Networks
The Corps of Signals has done pioneering work in spreading computer literacy in the Indian Army since the 1960s. At present the Corps is providing the pivotal role and infrastructure in exploiting Information Technology (IT) for data communications, weapon control and management systems. The fast proliferation of IT is providing an ideal incentive to the IT specialists both graduates and post-graduates (hardware/software/skinware) from the civil to join the Indian Defence Forces.
Electronic Warfare (EW)
EW has become one of the most potent Force Multipliers and a technologically challenging field in which the Signals have developed expertise. EW has played a stellar role in anti-insurgency and low intensity conflict operations besides the conventional operations conducted in Sri Lanka and Kargil.
Static Peace Communications
Signals is providing standard subscriber communication services to the Army during peace time by way of telephone, TELEX, FAX, e-mail, voice-mail and data transfer by establishing state-of-art communication systems and networks.
Strategic Alliance with BSNL
Strategic Alliance between Army and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) was worked out so that resources of the BSNL and strength of the Army can be shared in mutual interest. BSNL has also provided all the OFC terminal equipment at ten locations of the Army enroute. The project was inaugurated and dedicated to the Nation on 05 Oct 05 by Mr Dayanidhi Maran, Minister of Communications and IT.
Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT)
CERT-Army was established by ACSE to respond to cyber security incidents within Army in Oct 05. It has become the single point of contact for responding to all computer security incidents. The CERT-Army was formally inaugurated by the Chief of Army Staff on 14 Oct 05.
Development of OFC Infrastructure in Eastern Command
A Working Group has been constituted under the SO-in-C for development of OFC communication infrastructure in the North Eastern States as a joint effort of BSNL, Ministry of IT and Department of Development of North Eastern Region.
Network for Spectrum
A “Network for Spectrum” project is being implemented by the DoT in exchange for spectrum being released from Defence quota. The Network will provide additional overlay and strengthen our communication infrastructure and improve redundancy.
Central Data Centre
Centralised Data Centre for Army for hosting of application for the various directorate/branches has been created.
Network For Spectrum (NFS) has been planned as an Exclusive Optical Fibre based ‘Nationwide Communication Network’ for Defence Services. This will be a Countrywide Secure, Multi service and Multi protocol Converged Next Generation Network based on Exclusive and Dedicated Tri-services Optical Transport Backbone. NFS will be a “Next Generation Network” based on Highly Resilient and Virtualized IP/ MPLS backbone and Gigabit Optical Access Networks based on Fault Tolerant Carrier Ethernet transport technologies. The complete network will be controlled from Geo Redundant Central and Regional Network Operating Centres.