Bandwidth Optimizations for Integrated Tactical and Training Networks

This paper addresses the bandwidth and latency optimization of Embedded Simulation (ES) communications within tactical Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) networks while supporting an Enroute Mission Planning and Rehearsal (EMPR) for ground combat vehicles and other use cases. Simulation data obtained from One Semi Automated Forces (OneSAF) Testbed Baseline simulations is consistent with Future Combat Systems (FCS) Operations and Organizations scenarios of multiple-platoon, company, and battalion-scale force-on-force EMPR vignettes. The resultant simulation traffic is modeled and assessed within a hierarchical communication architecture consisting of Manned Platforms, Distributed Common Ground Systems (DCGS_A) and Multiband Integrated Satellite Terminal (MIST)s interconnected to Joint Tactical Training System (JTRS) and Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN_T) networks, as foreseen by Future Combat Systems (FCS). The mentioned battle support vehicles operate as routers and hubs that interconnect Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV), Apache Helicopters (Ah64) and Land Warriors (LW) with Continental United States (CONUS) based on a wireless C4ISR network infrastructure. The entire operation is directed and controlled via a CONUS based ground station and its corresponding satellite network. Within this environment, three areas of ES bandwidth and latency research are addressed: Simulation Traffic Analysis, Data Transmission Optimizations, and Traffic Modeling Tools / Demonstration sets. Simulation Traffic Analysis tasks include the development of a tentative network for FCS and Simulator Training systems that can be used to analyze Packet Data Unit (PDU) transmissions of the most critical entity actions and assessment of the operational-distribution of PDUs. Future Data Transmission Optimization tasks include the development of burst-free transmission scheduling, PDU replication, data compression, and OPFOR control hand-off techniques. Traffic Modeling Tool activities