A Field Test of Error Control Systems

This paper presents the condensed results of a field test of three types of forward error correction equipments operated over transcontinental HF links. The equipments were first operated from west to east over a 3000-mile link to establish the basic bit error performance. The equipments were then integrated into an operational system and used in conjunction with an error correcting system operated in a full duplex mode over the same links, with a stored program processor at the east and west terminals. Finally, the equipments were operated from east to west and back to east, using the two links in tandem with regeneration at the west terminal. Comparative bit and block error rates are given for each test; the equipment and propagation delays were measured and are given.