A Fully Distributed Approach to the Design of a 16 Kbit/Sec VHF Packet Radio Network

The increasing use of computer based equipments in weapons systems and their associated sensors and command and control elements and the trend from voice to data communications have been responsible for formulating the requirement for robust data communications systems for use in the Forward Area Tactical Environment. This paper describes the philosophy, design and performance of a fully distributed medium speed Packet Radio network for providing survivable data communications in a hostile electromagnetic environment.