Tactical Data Link Gateways Introduction
Abstract
At the Febmary 1999 Air Force Board meeting, AC2ISRC briefed a Tactical Data Link (TDL) roadmap that used gateways between current and future TDLs. Approval of the roadmap was deferred, pending more information, which is supplied in this TDL Gateway Introduction requested by AF/XPPI. Gateways provide a conduit for data and information sharing, enabling battle space visualization. Prior to gateway implementation, it is vital to understand the inormation exchange requirements, their context, the systems providing data and information, the mission's intended information use, and the TDL environment. Recent Advanced Concept Technology Demonstrations (ACTDs) have shown quantified value-added by sharing specific Army ground data between Variable Message Format data link participants and Link 16 participants via tailored gateways. The Expeditionary Force Experiment (EFX) series in FY98 and FY99 showcased various TDL gateway demonstrations to share information among intelligence gathering platforms and operational platforms to improve mission performance. All stakeholders in the data link architecture, from the engineers who implement the data link system to the operators using them, need to understand the impact of the gateway on the architecture. With careful planning, using detailed network knowledge, and an effective training program, gateways can bridge separate TDLs. By designing and installing appropriate, dynamic filters, TDL gateways enable warfighters to access information rapidly, completely, and accurately; information that would otherwise have to be communicated over voice channels. TDL gateways are expected to improve nalssion performance. Quanti%ing expected improvements requires data collection, study, and disseniination. 14. SUBJECT TERMS 15. IlUMBER OF PAOES Gateway, Tactical Data Link, TDL, Data Link, Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration, 16 ACTD, Expe
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 22, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA385181
Entities
People
- Corinne Wallshein