Dual-use Military and Civilian Fiber Optic Router

Dual-use fiber optic routers combine high-speed, ruggedized military-grade performance with civilian network compatibility, supporting both fiber and copper connectivity for mission-critical applications.

Overview

Dual-use fiber optic routers are designed to operate in harsh military environments while remaining compatible with civilian network infrastructure. These routers typically support 1G to 10G fiber and copper ports, Layer 2 and Layer 3 routing, VLANs, traffic prioritization (QoS), IPv4/IPv6, bandwidth aggregation, and advanced security protocols . They are suitable for applications ranging from C4ISR, UAV/UGV platforms, and shipboard systems to enterprise and industrial networks.

Key Features

• Rugged Design: Built to withstand extreme temperatures, shock, vibration, and ingress (IP67/68), meeting MIL-STD-810G, MIL-STD-461G, and MIL-STD-1275 standards .
• High-Speed Connectivity: Supports multiple fiber optic ports (up to 24 FO ports) and copper ports, enabling short-range and long-range fiber connections .
• Flexible Routing & Switching: Hardware-accelerated FPGA and multi-core processors allow customizable switching, routing, and edge computing functions, including HSR/PRP, (M)RSTP, and Time-Sensitive Networking protocols .
• Cybersecurity: Some models are certified under Common Criteria-LINCE or equivalent, ensuring secure operation in sensitive environments .
• SWaP Optimization: Compact size, low weight, and power efficiency make them suitable for mobile, airborne, and shipboard deployments .

Civilian Applications

While originally designed for military use, these routers can be deployed in civilian sectors such as:

• Critical infrastructure: Power grids, transportation networks, and industrial automation.
• Telecommunications: High-speed fiber networks requiring secure, reliable routing.
• Emergency services: Disaster recovery and mobile command centers.
• Enterprise networks: Data centers and high-availability fiber networks.

Advantages of Dual-Use Routers

1. Reliability: Ruggedized construction ensures continuous operation in extreme conditions.
2. Versatility: Supports both fiber and copper media, multiple protocols, and edge computing.
3. Security: Military-grade encryption and cybersecurity certifications protect sensitive data.
4. Scalability: Modular port configurations allow network expansion without hardware replacement.

Example Products

• RELY-MIL-FO-SWITCH-ROUTER: Managed 1/10G Ethernet switch/router with up to 24 fiber ports, FPGA-accelerated routing, and MIL-STD compliance .
• MILTECH Rugged Routers: Compact routers with 10G fiber/copper ports, Layer 2/3 routing, and SWaP optimization for battlefield and shipboard applications .
• MilDef RM2100/RM5100 Series: Cisco-based routers engineered for extreme environments with VoIP and analog interface support . These dual-use routers provide a bridge between military-grade resilience and civilian network requirements, making them ideal for organizations that need high-speed, secure, and reliable fiber optic connectivity in both operational and commercial contexts.