Rugged Laptop-based Server Functionality for Special and Rapid Deployment Forces
German manufacturer roda computer has developed a Mobile Server Mission System aimed at the requirement for special and rapid deployment forces to have immediate access to rugged communications and network infrastructure that can be brought into action rapidly in highly mobile operational environments.
The patented system is based on the company’s LIZARD RW11 ruggedised notebook computer with a configurable interface suited to a wide variety of operational requirements. The temporarily high availability of the system is achieved through a stable, established processor platform, protected by a rugged IP65 housing and supported with a range of mechanically coupled mission modules that – in combination – form the Mobile Server Mission System.
In traditional architectures, the IT infrastructure of a highly mobile command post consists of a server computer, RAID system, keyboard, power supply, display, switch (RJ/ fiber optic) and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). To date, such equipment has been integrated into heavy and bulky 19in rack cases.
The LIZARD RW11 offers an unprecedented function and performance density for this type of operational scenario. The laptop server can be carried in a notebook bag with mission modules and contains the following system components: server computer, RAID system (RAID 0, 1, 5, 10), keyboard, display, UPS computer and switch mission module (RJ45, fibre optic).
Roda has patented the combination of the LIZARD RW11 with available mission modules, making it possible to closely customise server capabilities to specific mission requirements. Mission modules include:
- Layer 2 – 4 Switch Ethernet, 8 Port (8 x RJ45, GBit)
- Layer 2 – 3 Switch Fibre Optic 10 Port ( 8 x LC GBit Multimode, 2 x RJ45, GBit)
- Layer 2 – 3 Switch Fibre Optic ( 7 x LC, GBit, Multimode, 1 x LC 100 Mbit, 2 x RJ45 GBit)
- VOIP
- Router
- Power supply with UPS, AC input, DC output
- Power supply with UPS, AC input, DC input, DC output
The system’s high degree of mobility is further enhanced through the use of the extremely solid roda cable drum switches. Featuring integrated switches, these enable very fast setup of a high mobile IT network over a distance of 100-800m by using fibre optic techniques, cascading up to 40 clients.
Roda has addressed a gap in the market with this system, achieving low transport weight and volume, high degrees of autonomy, reliability, scalability and ruggedness, coupled with an ability for very rapid setup and breakdown – all factors of great importance for rapid deployment forces.
