What is the FOKS System?
What is the FOKS System?
FOKS, short for Fiber Optic Communication System, is the Swedish Armed Forces’ designation for Micropol’s fiber optic FALCON expanded beam connector system. FOKS is a robust and protected communication system used by the Armed Forces to transmit data, telephony, and video via fiber optic networks — both in fixed installations (e.g. command centers, air bases, critical infrastructure) and mobile command systems. The system is part of the Armed Forces’ communication and command structure.
The system is used to:
- Ensure high capacity and fast transmission of information.
- Provide protection against eavesdropping and resistance to interference.
- Enable communication between different units in both national and international operations.
FOKS stands for Fiber Optic Communication System and is the Swedish Armed Forces’ designation for Micropol’s FALCON expanded beam technology.
The system is robust, protected, and interference-resistant, offering high transmission capacity and encrypted communication for strong protection against eavesdropping and disruptions.
FOKS is used by the Swedish Armed Forces in both fixed and mobile installations, such as command centers, air bases, critical infrastructure, command containers, and mast vehicles — both in national and international operations.
The system handles IP communication, telephony, video, as well as sensor and radar data, and is based on optical fiber cables connecting various nodes within the Armed Forces’ communication network.
FOKS includes various cable solutions (FOKS 2, FOKS 4, FOKS 12) with 2, 4, or 12 channels, along with cleaning equipment and measurement tools, making it easy to deploy and maintain even in the field.
How does the FOKS system work?
The system is based on fiber optic cables that connect various nodes within the Swedish Armed Forces’ communication network. It is adapted for both fixed installations and mobile command sites and forms a central part of the Armed Forces’ communication and command structure.
The system works by transmitting light signals through optical fiber cables, allowing information to be sent between different nodes in the network. This enables the transfer of large volumes of data at very high speed with minimal risk of interference or eavesdropping. To ensure secure communication, encrypted transmission is often used, which — together with the inherent eavesdropping resistance of fiber technology — provides a very high level of security.
FOKS supports IP-based communication, telephony, and video systems, and is also used to transfer sensor and radar data between different command locations and units. The system offers very high transmission capacity and includes 2-, 4-, and 12-channel fiber optic cable systems known as FOKS 2, FOKS 4, and FOKS 12, as well as cleaning equipment and measurement tools.
The system is frequently connected to mobile communication modules, command containers, and mast vehicles, where fiber cables can be quickly deployed to link units in the field.
Micropol’s role in the Swedish Armed Forces’ FOKS System
Since 2012, Micropol Fiberoptic has been the main supplier of the FOKS system to the Swedish Armed Forces. The current framework agreement began in 2023 and runs for three years, with the possibility of extension up to seven years. Micropol has a long-standing collaboration with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Armed Forces. Micropol’s fiber optic connector, FALCON, was developed based on the Armed Forces’ demanding requirements for robustness and performance.
Important links for installers
The FMV POINT information portal contains governing and guiding information to be used when performing technical installations in the Armed Forces’ fixed telecommunications and IT facilities, such as the FOKS system.
FMV’s guiding information for defence installations
World leading Expanded Beam Connector
FALCON
The FALCON connector has the best optical performance on the market with transfer speeds all the way up to 40 Gbit/s. This can be achieved with Micropol lens technology and a state-of-the-art production and alignment process.
Questions about the FOKS system?
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