Packet-Switching Applique for Tactical VHF Radios

Packet radio technology is being used to implement a data communication network based on tactical radios because of the advantages that packet radio technology offers in the tactical environment. These include fully distributed control for survivablity, self-initialization and mobility for easy deployment, automatic network management, extended coverage, and interconnection to other packet switching networks. This paper describes the design considerations for tailoring packet radio technology to the low-bandwidth constraints of VHF radios, the network management protocols, and the hardware for implementing the packet-switching applique. The protocols are fully automated and distributed among all the nodes of the network. The protocol suite includes channel access, error control, packet forwarding, and route management. The hardware is built on a VMEBUS system with a single-board computer and a custom radio interface. User terminals attached to the applique are provided with Telnet/TCP/IP or test and control capability. Radio interfaces are provide for SINC-GARS, ARC-186, and VRC-12 radios.