Session 3.7b: Update - Strengthening Long-Range Communications with Spatially Diverse HF Voting Networks
Tracks
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| Thursday, November 20, 2025 |
| 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM |
| Bradman Theatre |
Details
Modern military operations demand resilient, high-performance communications over vast distances and in challenging environments such as satellite denied conditions. DTC’s approach to High Frequency (HF) communications leverages geographically distributed “super sites” in a voting network architecture to transform long-range radio performance and reliability.
This presentation introduces an HF voting network concept that dynamically selects the best propagation path for each transmission, significantly improving communication quality—even under frequency allocation constraints or within skip zones.
Real-time voting networks operate automatically or manually and are built on carefully selected high-specification super sites using high-gain antennas and high-power transmitters. This enhances signal quality to mobile users operating in RF-challenged platforms such as vehicles and vessels. Location diversity increases redundancy and communication reliability, especially in conflict or disaster scenarios where some nodes may be compromised.
The system also supports mobile location monitoring via GPS reporting through the super site network, giving commanders visibility of mobile assets and optimal call routing based on signal quality.
This session will present operational use cases, network design considerations, and performance outcomes, demonstrating how HF voting networks can deliver enhanced voice quality, improved situational awareness, and resilient long-range communications for defence and humanitarian applications.
Speaker
Mr Leith Mudge
Senior Systems Engineer
DTC
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Biography
Leith Mudge is a veteran communications systems engineer with over three decades of experience in the design, integration, and deployment of mission-critical communications solutions across defence and public safety. At DTC, he leads efforts in the development and optimisation of HF and mesh radio systems, with a strong focus on secure networking, interoperability, and tactical resilience.
Throughout his career—spanning roles at Navantia, Raytheon, Australian Department of Defence and BAE Systems—Leith has been instrumental in delivering complex system-of-systems solutions and aligning emerging technologies with real-world operational requirements. He has a proven track record of working alongside military stakeholders to ensure communications systems meet the demanding needs of modern and future battlespaces.
Leith holds a Master’s degree in Applied Physics and is recognised for his ability to bridge the gap between theoretical engineering and practical field deployment. His forward-leaning approach ensures he remains at the forefront of innovation in military communications.
