Visual computation and simulation of path loss effects on tactical networks in urban canyon

Tactical network environments are complex, resource constrained, highly mobile in nature and performance of the communication links between the nodes is significantly affected by the path loss caused by the buildings. In this paper, we have used the ns-3 discrete event simulator to simulate an urban tactical network environment using the Rosslyn, VA city model. The simulated model was visualized using unity/worldwind. We have calculated path loss data using VPL and injected the path loss data into link selection to visually study the effects of path loss on the link formation in urban environments.