Frequency hopping signals tracking and sorting algorithm for military radio networks

In this article we present a frequency hopping tracking and sorting algorithm developed from experimentally measured data and customized for military very high frequency hopping radio networks. We have exploited the capabilities of a real-time spectrum analyzer to retrieve the experimental data that was used to drive the algorithm development. In the first part, the algorithm development is detailed and in the second part the tracking and sorting capabilities of the algorithm were tested in different experimental scenarios. The algorithm tracking accuracy remains above 92% for all evaluated hoping rates and signal to noise ratio conditions. The sorting capability of the algorithm was testes over the air in a real deployment scenario, achieving a sorting accuracy as high as 91%. Present results suggest the possibility of using this algorithm to implement operational systems capable of performing real-time signal reconnaissance of military frequency hopping radio networks.