Modeling performance improvements in Milstar MDR networks with demand assigned multiple access (DAMA)

Raytheon has developed a demand assignment multiple access (DAMA) algorithm that is used by the SMART-T Milstar ground terminal to dynamically allocate satellite resources to users in a mobile subscriber equipment (MSE) network on a call-by-call basis. In addition to providing range extension for MSE, the DAMA algorithm is shown to allow more efficient bandwidth usage and reduced latency times for calls by allowing Secure, Mobile, Anti-Jam Reliable Tactical Terminals (SMART-Ts) to establish direct connections independent of the network topology. An object-oriented simulation of MSE enhanced with DAMA-capable SMART-Ts using the OPNET simulation tool is described and the utility of the DAMA approach is demonstrated. Some of the features of our models of MSE/DAMA networks are discussed and it is shown that applying DAMA techniques results in better utilization of satellite resources while meeting grade of service (GoS) requirements. Using this set of models, improvements to the DAMA algorithm such as making it interoperable with asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) are also discussed.