Stress management in military satellite communications

The United Kingdom Military Satellite Communications System (UKMSCS) provides access to the Skynet 4 satellites for the UK Armed Forces. Access is obtained through a configuration of fixed and transportable ground stations with routing and control of terrestrial information managed by Network Control Centres. The paper identifies and describes a mechanism for handling the results of stress as exhibited by the UKMSCS. Stress is defined as anything which reduces the capacity of the network to carry communications. This can take the form of weather conditions, interference, deliberate jamming, or, more commonly, faults. When there is a stress condition within the network (either caused through equipment failure or deliberate action), the effects are difficult to predict. When the symptoms of stress conditions are exhibited, therefore, diagnosing the cause is not simple. The stress management system (SMS) is able to monitor the UKMSCS, detecting, isolating and diagnosing any stress affecting the network. The combination of advanced artificial intelligence techniques and a high fidelity modelling/simulation system allow the SMS to cope with the problems caused by the distributed and dynamic nature of the UKMSCS. Also, by including a modelling system within the SMS, several other benefits could be available, such as validation of plans and operator training.