Reliable communication is essential for military operations carried out in fast changing and unpredictable environments. To support secure mobile networking, the system needed to function reliably from within a rugged portable enclosure while being repeatedly transported and exposed to harsh conditions. This case study explores how a compact, fanless edge computing platform with long term support enabled high performance software defined networking while meeting strict durability, security, and compliance requirements in the field.
Challenges
- Need for a compact fanless PC that could fit inside a rugged portable case while withstanding high shock and vibration
- High performance CPU needed alongside long life product support for extended field deployment
- Requirement for multiple LAN ports to support wireless networking and SDN architectures
- Integrated WiFi capability needed to enable flexible and mobile network connectivity
- Mandatory NDAA and TAA compliance for sensitive government and defense applications
Solution
- Premio’s AI edge inference computer (RCO-6000-RPL)
- 13th Gen Intel® Core™ processor with DDR5 ECC memory for long life performance
- EDGEBoost I/O expansion with EBIO-4ETH for increased LAN connectivity
- Integrated WiFi for mobile networking
- UL, NDAA, TAA, and MIL-STD-810G compliant
Benefits
- Direct USA based support for military deployments
- Secure custom BIOS and OS imaging from ISO certified facilities
Company Overview
Operating on the front lines of national defense, the organization is dedicated to building secure communication and networking capabilities for mission critical environments. Its teams support mobile and tactical deployments where systems must perform reliably despite constant change and uncertainty. By continually investing in resilient, future ready technologies, the organization ensures forces remain connected, informed, and operational wherever missions take them.
The Challenges
Compact Fanless Design in a Rugged Case
The system had to live inside a rugged portable case that would be moved constantly from one location to another. Traditional designs with fans or bulky footprints introduced too many points of failure when exposed to dust, vibration, and repeated handling. A compact, sealed, fanless platform became essential to ensure reliable operation no matter how often the system was on the move.
High Performance with Long Life Support
Running software defined networking in the field placed heavy demands on the system’s processing capabilities. At the same time, once deployed, the equipment was expected to remain in service for years without frequent replacement or redesign. The challenge was finding a platform that could deliver the necessary performance while remaining stable and supported throughout long operational lifecycles.
Extensive LAN Connectivity for SDN
Supporting the network in the field required far more connectivity than a typical embedded system could offer. Multiple Ethernet connections were needed to tie together SDN and wireless infrastructure, but limited LAN ports quickly became a bottleneck. Expanding onboard networking was essential to keep communications reliable and adaptable in demanding environments.
Integrated WiFi for Mobile Connectivity
Wireless connectivity was essential for rapid setup and flexible deployment in constantly changing environments. Depending on external adapters added unnecessary complexity and introduced additional points of failure. Built in WiFi provided a cleaner, more dependable way to keep systems connected wherever they were deployed.
Mandatory Government Compliance
Because the application supported sensitive defense operations, compliance was never optional. The system had to meet strict NDAA and TAA requirements, along with additional safety and environmental standards, before it could be deployed. These certifications provided the assurance needed to operate confidently within highly regulated government environments.
The Solution
Premio’s AI edge inference computer (RCO-6000-RPL)
The RCO-6000-RPL served as a rugged yet compact foundation for the deployment, delivering a fanless, workstation class edge computing platform built for demanding environments. Powered by 13th Gen Intel® Core™ processors, the system provided the processing headroom needed for advanced edge intelligence while maintaining low power operation. Its ruggedized design, modern high speed technologies, and proven reliability made it a natural fit for installation inside a portable protective case that would be constantly on the move.
13th Gen Intel® Core™ Processor with DDR5 ECC Memory
High performance embedded processing provided the computing power needed to manage SDN workloads without sacrificing power efficiency. Paired with DDR5 ECC memory, the system maintained both speed and data integrity during continuous operation in the field. Just as importantly, long term embedded roadmap support ensured the platform could remain deployed and supported over extended mission lifecycles.
EDGEBoost I/O Expansion with EBIO-4ETH
EDGEBoost I/O expansion made it possible to add the networking capacity the deployment required without increasing the system’s physical footprint. By integrating the EBIO-4ETH module, multiple Ethernet ports were added to support SDN and wireless infrastructure. This modular approach kept the system compact while allowing it to adapt as networking needs evolved.
Integrated WiFi Support
Built in WiFi removed the need for external adapters and additional cabling, simplifying deployment in the field. This integrated approach reduced potential failure points while improving reliability in mobile environments. As a result, systems could be set up faster and adapted more easily as conditions changed.
Certified for Military and Government Deployment
The platform was built to meet strict industry, safety, and military standards, including UL, NDAA, TAA, and MIL-STD-810G. These certifications confirmed the system’s ability to operate safely and reliably under demanding environmental conditions. Meeting these requirements ensured the platform was fully qualified for deployment in sensitive military applications.
Benefits
Direct Stateside Support
Premio’s headquarters in Los Angeles provides direct U.S.-based engineering and technical support for deployed systems. This proximity enables faster response times and closer collaboration to support mission critical operations. Reliable stateside support is especially vital for applications supporting active military personnel.
Secured System Configuration
Custom BIOS and OS image services ensured the system was configured to meet strict security requirements before deployment. ISO certified headquarters processes helped safeguard sensitive information throughout system customization and validation. This approach reduced risk while maintaining compliance for secure government environments.
Conclusion
By deploying the RCO-6000-RPL, the team established a rugged, high performance edge computing foundation for secure mobile networking in the field. Its compact, fanless design proved well suited for continuous operation while on the move, delivering the durability, scalability, and compliance required in demanding environments. Together, these capabilities enabled reliable SDN performance while supporting long term mission readiness and security.