Tenet (tactical edge network emulation tool): A tool for connectivity analysis for tactical scenario

Unlike the fixed networks, the scenarios and field conditions for tactical networks are dynamic and hard to predict or model. This is because of the complexities and uncertainties involved in forecasting the node distribution, communications demand pattern, theater terrain characteristics, mobility of the platforms, radios and frequencies available, availability of relay and gateway nodes, presence of jammers and their characteristics, among other factors. As more and more warfighting functions rely on netcentric communications capabilities, it is important to rigorously analyze the expected performance of communications networks. In this paper we describe a methodology for tactical scenario development and physical layer connectivity analysis using a modeling and simulation tool named TENET (Tactical Edge Network Emulation Tool). This modeling and simulation methodology quantifies network connectivity among other physical layer network characteristics, as a function of time. This tool has been used for various service specific network studies, as well as for joint networks and has provided significant insights for developing more robust architectures, evaluating topology control algorithms, acquisition decisions, and for setting future technology direction. Previously published results of this tool were limited to static, homogenous networks while current results include true physics based mobility and heterogeneous network architectures.