As part of the communications upgrade for the Anzac class frigates under Sea 1442 Phase 4, which will see the modernisation of radio equipment to enhance its data transmission capability, each vessel will be equipped with SNR (subnet relay) capabilities.
SNR is a suite of protocols developed for the navies of Australia, Canada, NZ, the UK and the US which makes it possible to establish ad hoc, Internet-Protocol (IP) maritime communications networks used for tactical data exchanges, enhanced situational awareness and collaborative planning by the RAN and coalition navies.
Features of the SNR program include built-in text chat, comprehensive signal display, and a remote-control graphic user interface.
Line-of-Sight (LOS) radio assets, primarily in the VHF and UHF bands, are used to give tactical commanders an intra-task-group data networking system under their local control, without having to rely on strategic reach-back through satellite.
The capability is based on a highspeed modem, the Rockwell Collins Subnet Relay Controller (SNC-2050) system which provides true mobile, ad hoc networking technology for net-centric operations in remote locations. Currently fielded in a number of nations, the SNC-2050 is also being standardised in NATO under Draft STANAG 4691 – Mobile Ad hoc Relay IP Network (MARLIN).