An architectural framework for modern tactical communications systems

This paper develops an architectural framework to define an appropriate tactical communications system for modern land forces. It begins by outlining key design drivers that shape the architecture of a tactical communications system. Options for a mobile tactical communications system are then examined and it is concluded that, whilst it is essential that the tactical communications system provides a single logical network, it is not possible to provide a single physical network. The range of candidate technologies available to provide access to mobile users constrains the physical architecture to the provision of five major sub-systems. The underlying infrastructure of the organic network is provided by the tactical trunk sub-system and the combat radio sub-system. To extend the range of these two sub-systems in dispersed operations, a tactical airborne sub-system is required. Additionally, there is not sufficient capacity in the combat radio sub-system (in particular) to cope with the high volume of data transfer required to support real-time situational awareness for commanders of combat forces-this need is met by the tactical data distribution sub-system. A local subsystem is proposed to simplify the user interface to the other communications sub-systems.