The need to communicate in a theater of operations

The FENICS answer

From theory to reality

This research and development work has made it possible to create an operational capability response to support the modules and the EUCPT engaged in a theater of operation.

FENICS was born.

What is FENICS ?

A team capable of building or rebuilding strategic communication tools between the field, the EUCPT and the ERCC

FENICS (Field Emergency Network Infrastructure Communication Squad) is a team with a toolbox to rebuild strategic means of communication based on IP technology and allowing responders to use their smartphone or a smartphone made available to responders . To ensure the communication functionalities, the solution also integrates a Mission Critical Services for communications (MCS) between the field local command and the ERCC.

The proposed FENICS solution is composed of three elements:

Technical and operational expertise to define the solution to be implemented according to the needs and objectives of the command in the field.
A toolbox to deploy communication solutions adapted to the operational situation.
Self-sufficiency of the team and the material in the event of travel by road.

This new concept will allow the deployment of essential infrastructure for command management.

Beyond the response within the framework of the civil protection mission, equipment has also been added to provide the affected population with access to the Internet and voice over IP allowing them to communicate with their families and their relatives. It appeared essential to add this response within the framework of DG ECHO's humanitarian aid mission.

This module therefore has a team and a toolbox that will be adapted at the time of deployment according to the equipment matrix.  This dimensioning will allow the module to be used with the human and material resources adapted to the situation.

What FENICS offers

The proposed FENICS solution is composed of three main elements:

· Technical and operational expertise to define the appropriate solution according to the needs and objectives of the command in the field.

· A toolbox to deploy communication solutions to the operational situation.

· Autonomy of the team and the equipment in the event of travel by road.

This new concept will allow the deployment of infrastructures essential to command management.

Main tasks:

· Before departure, dimensioning of the FENICS capacity response based on an analysis matrix.

Field needs assessment

· For the European Civil Protection Mechanism

Study of the communication needs between the EUCPT and the modules in the field.

Study of the internal communication needs of the modules in the field.

For Humanitarian Aid 

Study of VOIP access needs for the affected population.

· Prioritization of the needs expressed by the EUCPT with the technical opinion of the technical manager of FENICS.

· Deployment of the technical infrastructures necessary to meet the objectives of the EUCPT

Maintenance in operational condition of the equipment implemented (including energy)

· Exchange with the technical teams of the local public security services and communication operators of the host country to prepare for the return to normal.

Architecture proposed by FENICS

Download the module presentation sheet