An analysis of a distributed switching network with integrated voice and data in support of command and control

Abstract

The potential for increased transmission efficiency of military tactical command and control data links through voice/ data integration has increased in importance in recent years. With the introduction of even more sophisticated and automated weapons systems, the requirement for on-line exchange of data among tactically-embedded military computer systems has risen dramatically. Today we are faced with a proliferation of data link requirements for innumerable military systems that span all the services. An already densely populated electromagnetic environment is faced with still greater demands for its scarce bandwidth resources. Adding to this situation is the fact that these very resources that are in such heavy demand are quite fragile in the face of military electronic warfare measures. And, with few exceptions, the means for countering these electronic warfare measures place still greater demands on the already scarce bandwidth resources. All of the above provide the motivation for exploring new avenues and techniques that achieve greater efficiency of transmission resources. Economically, the revolution in digital componentry makes more viable the consideration of a greater degree of voice/ data integration over tactical data links than would have been possible just a few years ago. Namely, competing signal processing techniques—Digital LSI, CCDs and SAWs are pushing the boundaries of technologies and making economically attractive spread spectrum, time division multiple access data link systems and internal multiplexed data distribution techniques which would simplify the integration of voice and data. Finally, with the increased sophistication of military weapon systems, the interrelationships and employment of voice and data in the conduct of war becomes even more intertwined and requires in many cases careful reevaluation and re-enumeration.