When it comes to military technology, innovation is not just a pursuit but a necessity. The design process of our MILTECH 477 stands as a testament to this ethos, born out of a keen understanding of customer needs, a vision for future trends, and the relentless pursuit of excellence by the development team at Enercon.
The MILTECH 477 is a rugged, military-grade device that shares USB 2.0 devices across multiple PCs and operating systems over an IP network.Unique and first-in-market, this USB Hub was specially developed to meet seamless military connectivity demands and ensure secure and efficient communication sharing, empowering users to operate critical equipment remotely.
MILTECH 477 Main Features
● USB over IP Technology
● Out-of-the-box security
● Support for Win/Linux/Mac OS
● Wide DC Input Range
● Rugged Design for Harsh Environments
● Compliance with MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-1275, and MIL-STD-704 Standards
● Enhanced User Control and Management
Understanding Market Gaps and Emerging Trends
The genesis of MILTECH 477 traces back to Enercon's commitment to listening to its customers and understanding the evolving needs of the military market. Recognizing a gap in the market for seamless connectivity solutions in harsh environments, Enercon embarked on a journey to bridge this void.
With a pulse on emerging trends and future demands within the military sector, Enercon envisioned a product that not only addressed current challenges but also anticipated future requirements.
Understanding customer needs
An inquiry from a customer initiated a sales process that included addressing requirements and a possible technical proposal. Early in the process, we realized that the customer was requesting a solution that is only partially available in the industrial market and does not exist in the military market, requiring data security measures and compatibility with strict MIL-STD standards.
Faced with a tight schedule to develop a prototype and the need to present a demo unit for the customer's testing, a team was formed to create a customized solution based on a technology already developed at Enercon. The process was not a development of a new product but an adaptation of an innovative technology that had been developed internally in the past and was waiting for the right customer to demand it.
Innovative Technology and Seamless Networking Capabilities
The MILTECH 477 emerges as a game-changer in military connectivity, offering a rugged, military-grade USB hub over IP designed to thrive in the most demanding environments. Its cutting-edge non-ITAR technology ensures seamless connectivity between USB devices and remote computers over Ethernet.
Equipped with 5 x USB 2.0 ports, a dedicated Power Port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a management port, the MILTECH 477 delivers unparalleled versatility and performance.
The wide input range of 18-48VDC, compliant with MIL-STD-704 and 1275, enables simple adaptation to existing systems under military standards.
Its rugged design, built to meet MIL-STD-810 standards, guarantees resilience against extreme temperatures, shocks, and vibrations, making it ideal for military applications in challenging environments.
One of the standout features of MILTECH 477 is its ability to share USB devices with multiple computers and Operating Systems in a secure manner. Each of the five USB ports can be shared among multiple computers to achieve a higher degree of versatility. Scalability is already built in, allowing the connection of several MILTECH 477 to the same network.
Product Development and Overcoming Challenges
The development of MILTECH 477 posed unique challenges, requiring a delicate balance of hardware and software integration within a short timeframe. However, the dedicated development team at Enercon rose to the occasion, leveraging their expertise and ingenuity to overcome these obstacles. The development and customization per the customer's requirement included a dedicated HW design, a USB sharing server (running on MILTECH477's HW), and a customized PC client to remotely access the USB devices. Unlike standard terminal servers, where users need to use different protocols to remotely connect to devices, the customer requested a transparent solution (USB devices seem like they are locally connected). Hence, a new virtualization approach ensured all USBs are signalling over standard TCP/IP communication. By integrating innovative technologies such as Virtual USB over IP, the team not only met but exceeded the expectations set forth by the customer.
Enhancing User Experience and Ensuring Safety
One of the primary objectives of MILTECH 477 is to enhance the user experience while ensuring safety and reliability in military operations. MILTECH 477 revolutionizes traditional data transmission methods in defense applications by enabling remote USB connectivity without compromising performance or security.
Furthermore, adherence to aviation development procedures according to the AS9100 standard ensures the highest levels of safety and reliability, instilling confidence in users even in the most challenging environments.
Compliance with Industry Standards and Sustainability
In line with Enercon's commitment to excellence, MILTECH 477 complies with industry standards such as MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-1275, and MIL-STD-704, ensuring compatibility and interoperability across military platforms.
Moreover, sustainability and efficiency are integral to the design and manufacturing process, focusing on minimizing environmental impact while maximizing operational efficiency and longevity.
Conclusion
The MILTECH 477 Military Rugged USB 2.0 Hub over IP network exemplifies Enercon's dedication to innovation, customer-centricity, and excellence in military technology. By addressing market gaps, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and prioritizing user experience and safety, MILTECH 477 sets a new standard for military connectivity solutions. As the military and aerospace community continues to evolve, MILTECH 477 stands ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow, ensuring seamless communication and connectivity in the most demanding environments.
