Simulation results for third-generation HF automatic link establishment

The third generation of HF automation technology was designed to efficiently support large, data-intensive networks as well as the traditional voice and smaller network applications of second-generation HF networks. The performance goals for the new generation of technology were order-of-magnitude improvements in network size, traffic throughput, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Third-generation technology has now been standardized in MIL-STD-188-141B Appendix C. This paper presents initial results of simulating third-generation HF networks with various network topologies and workloads. The NetSim simulations employ a validated HF propagation module and a detailed implementation of the protocols under study. Analysis of the simulation results indicates that the new technology links faster, carries heavier traffic, and scales better than current generation HF ALE.