The WIN-T MF-TDMA Mesh Network Centric Waveform

The Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) community has selected the L-3 Linkabit multi frequency-time division multiple access (MF-TDMA) demand-assigned multiple access (DAMA) Network Centric Waveform (NCW) as the networking standard for fullmesh IP over SHF satellite communications. The NCW supports a heterogeneous network of terminals with varying antenna, power, and overall transceiver characteristics, ranging from large-aperture strategic terminals to small-aperture tactical/mobile terminals employing satellite communications on the move (S-COTM), and, by employing an advanced network scheduler, maximizes network data throughput and terminal population by making near optimal use of satellite and terminal resources. This paper describes the key features of the waveform MAC and Physical Layers.