Fiber Optic and PoE Networks in Naval Destroyers and Aircraft Carriers

Modern naval vessels demand highly reliable and secure networks that integrate navigation, weapons control, surveillance, and shipboard communications. A major Department of Defense agency selected Omnitron Systems to deliver rugged, space-efficient, and flexible solutions proven to withstand harsh maritime conditions while ensuring mission-critical reliability.

The Challenge

A major Department of Defense agency needed to modernize and harden its shipboard networks aboard naval destroyers and aircraft carriers. The challenge was multi-layered:

• Ruggedized Requirements: Networking devices had to endure extreme shock, vibration, humidity, and temperature variations inherent to naval missions.
• Conformal Coating Needs: Certain deployments required custom conformal coating to protect against salt fog, humidity, and corrosive marine environments.
• Space Constraints: Networking equipment had to fit within tight rack spaces and compartmentalized shipboard environments.
• Procurement Compliance: All devices needed to be fully TAA, BAA, and NDAA compliant to meet U.S. government and Department of Defense procurement regulations.

Protocol Interoperability: The network needed to seamlessly integrate legacy serial and copper-based systems with modern IP-based fiber infrastructure.

The Solution

The agency deployed a combination of Omnitron iConverter® and RuggedNet® solutions across destroyers and carriers:

• iConverter 2GXT Dual Channel Media Converters
  • Chassis-Based: Plug-in cards installed in the 19-module iConverter chassis located in the central network room, providing managed fiber-to-copper conversion and redundant pathways for critical command-and-control systems.
  • Standalone Units: Hardened standalone iConverter 2GXT converters deployed near weapons and firing control systems, enabling direct point-to-point fiber extensions and protocol conversion at the edge.
• RuggedNet 10GPoE+/Mi Industrial PoE Switches
  • Distributed across the ship to power and connect IP cameras, wireless access points, and access control systems.
  • Extended fiber uplinks back to the managed iConverter chassis for a unified, resilient backbone.
  • Delivered PoE+ power over Ethernet cabling with MultiGigabit Ethernet, reducing the need for separate power lines in restricted compartments.
• Custom Conformal Coating Solutions
  • Omnitron provided customer-specific conformal coating options to protect electronics from salt, fog, humidity, and marine-induced corrosion, ensuring long-term reliability in harsh naval conditions.

Why the DoD Agency Chose Omnitron

1. Ruggedized, Certified Designs – All solutions meet NEBS shock and vibration standards, ensuring stability during weapons fire, rough seas, and ship maneuvers.
2. Conformal Coating Flexibility – Ability to deliver custom-coated devices tailored for naval environmental requirements, such as salt fog protection.
3. Small Form Factor – Compact devices that fit seamlessly into tight rack spaces and ship compartments.
4. Flexible Conversion Options – Dual-channel iConverter 2GXT units integrate both fiber and copper interfaces, supporting legacy-to-modern system transitions.
5. Proven Defense Deployment – Over 30 years of trusted use in defense and aerospace networks worldwide.
6. Made in the USA – Full TAA, BAA, and NDAA compliance, critical for DoD procurement.
7. Unified Network Architecture – RuggedNet PoE switches working in tandem with managed iConverter chassis simplified overall design and logistics.
8. Lifetime Warranty and Support – Reduced lifecycle costs with guaranteed long-term operational support.

Results & Conclusion

With Omnitron’s iConverter 2GXT media converters, RuggedNet Industrial PoE switches, and custom conformal coating solutions, the Department of Defense agency achieved:

• Reliable fiber-to-copper integration for both legacy and next-generation systems.
• Environmentally hardened devices able to resist salt, fog, and corrosion.
• Resilient performance under extreme maritime conditions, thanks to ruggedized NEBS-certified designs.
• Operational efficiency and reduced power complexity through PoE-enabled infrastructure.
• Streamlined procurement and logistics with Made in USA solutions meeting all compliance standards.

Conclusion:
Omnitron Systems delivered a future-proof, defense-grade network infrastructure that ensures mission-critical communications aboard naval destroyers and aircraft carriers. By combining ruggedized, conformally coated, compact devices with over 30 years of proven defense deployment, Omnitron continues to stand as a trusted partner for Department of Defense agencies and allied naval forces worldwide.

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