Professor Frater's research has had a profound impact on communications technology in civilian and military applications worldwide. He has been a leader in international efforts to establish technologies and standards for video compression and has developed communication systems for military applications as well as underwater communications. He is an authoritative consultant for Government communications authorities in Australia and was communications advisor for the Athens Olympics. Through his leadership of UNSW Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy he has developed the Academy into a formidable R&D support base for the Australian military.