Multiple layered method of terminal slot contention resolution for the Integrated Waveform (DAMA UHF SATCOM)

The Integrated Waveform, specified in MIL-STD-188-181C/182B/183B/185A, defines a TDMA communication system in an attempt to improve satellite bandwidth utilization over conventional SATCOM waveforms. To overcome some of the limitations of statically defined user communications (UCOM) services in MIL-STD-188-183A, the flexibility to assign services nearly anywhere within a frame was introduced in MIL-STD-188-183B. Although this feature has the ability to greatly improve satellite bandwidth utilization, the enhanced flexibility also has a tendency to complicate the issue of slot contention. Consequently, one technique utilized by the IW Network Management System, to mitigate the increase in slot contention, is to allow to allocation of numerous Uplink and Downlink support services in order to accommodate the diverse array of UCOM service placements. Unfortunately, this technique largely transfers the burden of detecting and resolving slot contention, between one or more desired UCOM services, and the services essential to maintaining Uplink and Downlink acquisition, onto the terminal systems. This paper will discuss a method for detecting terminal slot contention, within an IW communications system, by employing a multilayered strategy in order to avoid, or at least minimize, disruption of ongoing user communications with a desired UCOM service while maintaining both Downlink and Uplink acquisition.