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North Korean SDH optical communication equipment

Fiber optic splice closure knowledge brief Published 15 Sep 2022

Prepared for preliminary research by the RIVO OPTICAL knowledge desk. Confirm cable count, splice capacity, sealing class, tray layout, protection sleeves and installation requirements against current standards and product documentation.

North Korea is deploying advanced SDH-based optical communication systems to secure and modernize its military networks.Overview of SDH Technology

Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) is a standardized optical communication technology designed to transmit digital signals over long distances with high reliability and efficiency . Developed in the late 1980s by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), SDH allows multiple lower-speed signals to be multiplexed into higher-speed signals, simplifying network management and enhancing scalability . The basic SDH frame, known as the Synchronous Transport Module (STM), typically operates at 155.52 Mbps (STM-1), with higher levels supporting gigabit-scale transmission. SDH networks include a Section Overhead (SOH) for management and maintenance, while the payload area carries the actual data .

North Korea's Military Deployment

In January 2024, North Korea's Military Security Command ordered a military-wide upgrade of secret communications systems, including the installation of dedicated wired and wireless telegraph and telephone systems, along with specialized communication lines . These upgrades aim to prevent information leaks, isolate military networks from external communications, and ensure secure data transmission. The initiative covers corps-level security departments and emphasizes strict access controls and document handling procedures .

Domestic Equipment and Glocom

Evidence indicates that the North Korean army is using advanced communications equipment produced by Glocom, a domestic company linked to the Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB), . Glocom's technology is believed to include SDH-capable optical systems, enabling high-speed, hierarchical digital transmission for secure military communications. This equipment allows the military to maintain reliable, encrypted, and internally controlled networks, critical for command, control, and intelligence operations .

Implications

The integration of SDH optical communication systems in North Korea's military suggests:

  • Enhanced network reliability and speed, supporting real-time command and intelligence sharing.
  • Improved internal security, reducing the risk of leaks or external interception.
  • Scalable infrastructure, allowing multiplexing of multiple communication channels over a single fiber-optic backbone.
  • Alignment with modern military communication standards, despite international sanctions and technological isolation. In summary, North Korea's SDH optical communication equipment represents a strategic effort to modernize and secure its military communications, leveraging domestic technology to maintain operational control and network resilience .

North Korean SDH optical communication equipment - RIVO MULTITRADE OPTICAL SYSTEMS [PDF]

North Korean SDH optical communication equipment

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Technical note

This reference is intended for preliminary fiber optic splice closure research. Compatibility, splice capacity, sealing class, tray layout, protection sleeves, installation methods, test limits and applicable standards must be verified for the specific project.

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