Network Synchronization Initialization Performance of a TDMA System in the Ground Environment

Results from a digital computer simulation of a network of approximately 50 nodes, typifying a spread spectrum time division multiple access (TDMA) system such as the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS), in a ground environment, are presented, and discussed. The results apply to initialization performance of network synchronization. The results provide an insight into network management tradeoffs which may be made with respect to: a) method of network synchronization, b) system capacity needed for network synchronization, and c) degree of network connectivity. The results provide qualitative as well as quantitative assessment of the impact of changing any of the above network management variables when the others remain fixed at various operating points. Since a wide range of time delays, typically from, few to many minutes may be incurred, it is concluded that network management techniques may be optimized to meet the initialization performance requirements of a given network. Such optimizations, however, depend upon specific implementations of the network synchronization process, the dynamics of the network nodes and the environment (electromagnetic, terrain, and weather) affecting their connectivity.