Results of field trials and features of FASTE-CNS - a traffic analysis and capacity planning tool for communications, navigation and surveillance

FASTE-CNS is a dynamic communications estimating tool that is accessible through the Internet using a browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape. It provides means to model the data communications traffic load associated with existing and new applications. FASTE-CNS ultimately resides within NASA GRC's multi-fidelity simulation environment and be an integrated component of GRC's modeling and simulation capability. FASTE-CNS allows a user to dynamically define application message sets and configure communications traffic profiles composed of those message sets. The user also can define a geographical region and assign a number of aircraft to the region. The combination of traffic profiles assigned to regions provides a researcher with an understanding of the quantity and type of air/ground and air/air data link communications that occur in the region. FASTE-CNS also calculates the number of frequencies needed to support communications within the region. This article presents features of FASTE-CNS and the results of field trials conducted in July 2003.