Project Fortis

A hyper-resilient MANET overlay for U.S. wireless networks MidWave is leading the charge to provide mission-critical broadband for public safety and critical infrastructure users when traditional wireless communication spectrums are congested, degraded, or unavailable.

This is Project Fortis.

Project Fortis is a nationwide, licensed-spectrum MANET overlay designed to complement carrier networks.

Key Features

OPERATES IN NATIONWIDE 1.4 GHZ LICENSED SPECTRUM

PURPOSE-BUILT FOR RESILIENCE, AUTONOMY, AND CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS

COMPLEMENTS EXISTING LTE/5G CARRIER NETWORKS

ENABLES CARRIERS TO OFFER A CREDIBLE, DIFFERENTIATED RESILIENCE LAYER

Fortis ensures communications continuity when infrastructure-centric networks are stressed or unavailable.

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Why Project Fortis?

Resilience is now a primary commercial requirement by most high-value network users.

The frequency of natural disasters, cyber vulnerabilities in 5G networks, and increased broadband noise from drones pose risks to traditional communication infrastructure under duress.

Project Fortis offers a solution to those risks through the self-forming, self-healing multi-hop mesh MANET, giving local autonomy without reliance on central control mechanisms. MidWave’s assets are uniquely suited to provide these solutions and prepare users to tackle tough communication challenges.

Project Fortis offers:

Market-wide MANET coverage using 1.4 GHz licensed spectrum
Self-forming, self-healing multi-hop mesh at the edge
Local autonomy without reliance on centralized control
Optional IP backhaul integration when infrastructure is available

What Makes 1.4 GHzthe Ideal Band?

1.4 GHz is the only U.S. band where physics, licensing, and TDD rules align to make true MANET possible at scale.

1.4 GHz is uniquely suited for large-scale MANET operation because it combines favorable propagation with a flexible FDD / TDD regulatory framework that enables true peer-to-peer, multi-hop networking.

100% LICENSED COVERAGE

of the United States, ensuring a fully connected network.

LOW AMBIENT NOISE

than traditional low-band, offering a cleaner RF environment.

LONGER HOP-DISTANCES

with less reliance on node frequency due to uniquely stable physical geometry.

AdditionalFeatures

At various points on the 1.4 GHz band, carriers can deploy both FDD NR (5G) and TDD MANET under one license. Project Fortis supports hybrid and MANET-only configurations alongside standardized NR operations, enabling infrastructure-assisted services where available without sacrificing the self-healing MANET connectivity when required.

Project Fortis offers 3Gpp alignment:

Standardized as 3GPP Band n110, which enables integration with the global cellular ecosystem and device roadmap.
Compatible with 3GPP core and management frameworks, offering infrastructure integration when desired, without redefining the edge network.

Project Fortis offers defense-proven MANET architectures:

Designed for symmetric, peer-to-peer operation. TDD operation enables nodes to transmit, receive, and relay on the same channel.
Supports multi-hop, self-healing networking. Enables autonomous routing, relay, and continuity independent of centralized control.
Proven MANET waveforms and routing stacks. Defense-proven MANET technologies operate natively within the 1.4 GHz band.

In a pure MANET, connectivity is formed at the edge through peer-to-peer, multi-hop links that adapt as nodes move. Project Fortis adds an anchor to extend reach and enable optional backhaul, while preserving local autonomy and self-healing behavior. By contrast, conventional NR networks rely on centralized infrastructure, where connectivity depends on continuous access to base stations and the core network.

A 1.4 GHz MANET network such as Project Fortis is designed to operate seamlessly with conventional carrier infrastructure, leveraging centralized resources. When infrastructure is degraded or unavailable, the network transitions automatically to autonomous, self-healing MANET operation, preserving local connectivity without external dependency.

Real WorldDeployment

Project Fortis is deploying 1.4 GHz MANET in 18 markets across the United States.

The initial system uses one of several MANET standards available.

Project Fortis is leading the way for autonomous, reliable mesh connectivity in times of critical need when traditional infrastructure fails the mission.