Small extension node
Prior to the advent of the satellite based Joint Network Node, the United States Army used a system known as Mobile Subscriber Equipment in order to provide tactical battlefield communications. MSE is a Line-Of-Sight terrestrial based communications system limited by terrain and distance. MSE is still in use in limited quantities.
The small extension node is part of a US military communication system known as Mobile Subscriber Equipment. A SEN is composed of two shelters, a switching shelter and a Line of sight radio terminal shelter
A SEN switching shelter contains switching, multiplexing, and communications security equipment for secure digital voice and data communications. A single switching shelter is mounted on the back of a HMMWV, powered is provided by a 10 kW diesel generator, and the SEN is operated by up to a six soldier team. To provide communications for a Corps area the Signal Battalion would deploy forty SEN's, amongst Node Centers, Large Extension Nodes, and Radio Access Units.
The current switch is designated AN/TTC-48, with a suffix to identify each of the ten versions in operation - 1, V, A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, and C4. The 1 provides 26 digital lines and 10-digital trunks and the 2 provides 41 digital lines and 13-digital trunks. Both versions interface at various levels with the MSE Area Communication Systems through cable, via line of sight or via tactical satellite terminal.
