Network Communications Analysis
Abstract
In a contested environment, especially when conducting forward operations, platforms face a significant electronic warfare threat. The primary threat is from advanced jamming, signal collection, and geolocation techniques that are rapidly evolving to be more capable and agile. Concurrently, DoD advances in smart sensors and weapons demand robust tactical waveforms and networks with greater capacity but lower cost than communications links of today. Beginning in FY 2016, the NCCP’s Future Autonomous Battlespace RF with Integrated Communications (FABRIC) (formerly referred to as Robust Tactical Data Links Modernization (RTDLM)) project will develop next generation communications layer architecture for tactical networks for operations in anti-access and area denial (A2/AD) threat environments. This architecture will also deliver capacity and affordability to enable future smart sensors and smart weapons. The network architecture will be flexible enough to support Commander’s Intent in any mission, environment, operating tactical platform, and weapon system under various threat conditions. FABRIC’s efforts will focus on developing the advanced component technologies, such as Anti-Jam(AJ)/Low Probability of Interference (LPI)/Low Probability of Detection (LPD)/ Low Probability of Exploitation (LPE) waveforms, adaptive processing algorithms, adaptive antenna technologies (transmit/receive/nulling), adaptive power control, Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA)/Dynamic Spectrum Management (DSM) techniques, self-healing mechanisms and cyber hardening, and advanced routing ensuring Quality of Service. The guiding tenets for creating this new Command, Control, Communications, Computers, & Intelligence (C4I) capability encompass enabling new missions, i.e. providing resilient TDLs, communications and networking “service level” capabilities, interoperation, cost (affordable), and improved performance in terms of military value. Based on the developed thresholds and objectives for the required network architecture, the specific advanced component technologies were prioritized and form the foundation of the FABRIC design. Through simulation and field experimentation, FABRIC will verify the technology in operationally relevant environments against representative threats, and facilitate the migration and transition of these technologies to service platforms, radios, and other combat mission systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2018
- Source ID
- P663_0603662D8Z_3_0400_PB_2018