Approaches to simulation of broadband ionospheric channels and some preliminary results

HF channel simulation is used increasingly to assist designers of HF communication systems to assess the performance of modulation schemes, prototype equipment, network protocols and management techniques, and analysis tools. System design requires at least an implicit model of HF channel behaviour, and if the model is based on the known physical properties of the HF channel, there is a much better chance that the system under development will perform satisfactorily over a real channel. The operation of an ionospheric simulator need not reflect in great detail the actual physical processes occurring in the ionosphere. What is required is a device which faithfully reproduces the main characteristics of the ionospheric channel, and which meets the particular needs of the designer, supplier or purchaser