DSTO: Tactical Data Links QoS Analysis

The Problem:
The defence community has a number of platform simulators. For example a fully set up cockpit of an F-18 will simulate all of the aerodynamics and combat systems of that aircraft. Different simulators are however connected with large low latency data pipes. Therefore the communication between these simulators is robust and quick, which is not realistic.

To create a realistic environment the data links between the simulators must be degraded artificially. 

To do this a realistic model of the tactical environment must be created. This model must incorporate both current TADIL technologies - Link 11, Link 16, VMF and Link22 – and developing technologies such as TTNT, WNW, and TCDL.

Solution:
CDCIN has created a simulation tool that calculates the QoS of tactical data links in a realistic environment.

The simulator uses the COTS Arc-View GIS software module to incorporate relevant geographical data into the QoS model.  A radio propagation module which incorporates both the land elevation data and a land use model has been developed to approximate the radio attenuation of any radio signals in the tactical environment.

The radio attenuation of point to point radio communication links determines the data rate capabilities of these point to point links. These rates depend on the specific technology being deployed. The different tactical links can also be combined into a network to look at routing capabilities and how they can lead to a higher QoS.

The results of this tool are the model’s resultant bandwidths of the links between platforms which can in turn be used to create realistic data rates between tactical simulators.