Network centric operations over transponded SATCOM

Department of Defense (DoD) communications requirements are moving rapidly towards an all Internet protocol (IP) infrastructure in support of network-centric communications architectures which will provide flexibility and an array of services to the warfighter. DoD has developed the transformational communications architecture (TCA) which defines an integrated approach to delivering IP based services utilizing near term satellites such as the wideband gapfiller system ( WCS) and far term capabilities provided by the transformational satellite (TSAT). An architectural view is presented, providing IP based services over transponded satellites in support of the transformation of DoD communications networks. The impact on current transponded satellite communications (SATCOM) systems is considered and recommendations are proposed to enhance the control and management of transponded networks supporting transformational operational capabilities.