Protocols for Multisatellite Military Networks

An analytical evaluation of network control protocols such as Token Passing, TDMA, Adaptive TDMA, and Reservation Assignment with TDMA orderwire has been performed for networks consisting of single and multibeam satellites including propagation delays and interleaver effects. Of all the protocols analytically evaluated, it is shown that the Token Passing protocol is the best for EHF tactical networks, which consist of many low-duty cycle terminals, and that performance of the TDMA protocol is the worst for this application. As the interleaver span is increased, the performance of all the protocols degrades uniformly. A simulation model was developed for a Reservation Assignment protocol with Slotted-Aloha orderwire, including multiple priorities of users. Its performance was evaluated, and it is shown that this protocol is ideally suited for networks with many network terminals requiring short, bursty data communications capability. Another simulation model was developed for an In-Band Network Control protocol with congestion control and multiple user priorities. This protocol is a good candidate for tactical networks that require interoperability.