Next generation NATO satcom management and control services

This paper introduces NATO´s next generation satcom management and control (M&C) capability, intended to support the new deployable assets of the growing and constantly evolving NATO ground segment. The Advanced Satcom Network Management and Control system (ASNMC) introduces a new paradigm for implementing centralized and highly resilient M&C services for military satellite communications. ASNMC brings in assured communications over a dedicated M&C network overlay, spanning over control centres, static anchor stations, multiple satellite payloads, and deployable terminals. It takes a holistic approach, leading to any NATO resource operating at military X-band frequencies to fall under ASNMC control, and paving the way to control other frequency bands and deployable satcom assets, in the near future. ASNMC introduces the notion of assured engineering orderwires (EOW), relying on bearer and geographical diversity, to maximize the availability of critical M&C processes, even when the terminals operate in hostile RF environments. On top of that, ASNMC integrates classical satcom management and control capabilities, like link power control (LPC) and spectrum monitoring services (SMS), together with centralized mission planning tools, enabling the fast roll-out of large satcom networks, involving heterogeneous links (protected and nonprotected) and ground terminals.