Description:
TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems
OBJECTIVE: Develop a prototype Transponded Satellite Communications Ad-hoc Networking (T-SCAN) algorithm for non-networking capable Wideband Anti-jam Modern Systems (WAMS) waveforms to be hosted on WAMS to form and manage multiple simultaneous point-to-multipoint sessions over a transponded satellite.
DESCRIPTION: The WAMS is the Navy's next generation software defined wideband modem for both transponded and processed satellites with an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) of FY22. WAMS will include a full networking capable Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW) mode; however, the balance of waveforms is only operable in non-networked point-to-point sessions. The inability to form networks requires setting aside dedicated satellite resources to sessions that may not be active at all times; thus, reducing effective satellite resource utilization and mission effectiveness. The objective of this topic is to develop a prototype T-SCAN algorithm to be hosted on WAMS to form and manage multiple simultaneous point-to-multipoint sessions over a transponded satellite for non-networking capable WAMS waveforms. To reduce integration and certification risks, the prototype T-SCAN algorithm is expected to be hosted on the General Purpose Processor (GPP) based subsystem of the WAMS modems and operate at a classification no higher than Unclassified/For Official Use Only (FOUO). The prototype T-SCAN algorithm is expected to establish and manage at least one simplex transmission to as many as 256 end points and allow the WAMS modem to receive one or more active simplex transmissions. The known challenge of establishing simplex links is the inability to provide any in-band signaling to form ad-hoc networks; the receiving terminal has no knowledge as to whether there is (are) any simplex link(s) that can be joined without some means of conveying this information to receiving terminal. Innovation, therefore, is required to develop the means to identify and manage the available simplex links as well as to establish the simplex links on demand for a select Communities of Interest (COI) via access control mechanisms.
PHASE I: Formulate and develop the concepts for a T-SCAN algorithm that can be directly integrated into the WAMS modem to yield transponded satellite communications based ad-hoc networking capabilities for non-networking capable WAMS waveforms. Establish whether the entire T-SCAN algorithm implementation can be limited to just the WAMS modem's GPP components and assess the integration risks. For each risk, develop the mitigation strategy and steps. Develop concepts for the management components that can manage at least one simplex transmission to unlimited end points and allow the WAMS modem to receive one or more active simplex transmissions. Additionally, develop concepts for the management components that can manage at least one simplex transmission to as many as 256 end points and/or allows the WAMS modem to receive more than one active simplex transmissions. Formulate an innovative approach to identify and manage the available simplex links as well as to establish the simplex links on demand with a select COI via access control mechanisms. Determine whether the simplex transmissions can be actively cataloged with little to no interactions from the transmitting station; these include waveforms with little to no features that include low probability of interception and detection. Develop Phase II plan to include detailed schedule in Gantt format, spend plan, performance objectives, and initial transition plan/target program of record identification.
PHASE II: Develop a set of performance specifications for T-SCAN. Perform initial integration activities and identification/development of any necessary Pre-Planned Product Improvement (P3I) requirements on the candidate WAMS modem. Program Office will identify and introduce a candidate WAMS modem contractor and coordinate follow-on collaboration. Follow up, thereafter, with the development of prototype T-SCAN algorithm based on Phase I work for demonstration and validation in the candidate WAMS modem or equivalent development environment. Develop the life cycle support strategies and concepts for T-SCAN.
PHASE III: Refine, fully develop, and integrate the Phase II prototype T-SCAN algorithm into the final target WAMS modem. Perform Formal Qualification Tests (FQT) on the WAMS modem with the final T-SCAN algorithms against the performance specification for T-SCAN. Support the fielding and support of T-SCAN algorithms by implementing the life cycle support strategies and concepts with the WAMS modem contractor. Potential commercial application(s) for T-SCAN for satellite modems such as Commercial Broadband Satellite Program (CBSP).
REFERENCES:
1: Decentralized and infrastructure less wireless ad hoc network: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_ad_hoc_network
2: Simplex (one direction only) communication: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simplex_communication
3: 3. Navy Multiband Terminal: http://www.public.navy.mil/spawar/technology/Pages/NavyMultibandTerminalNMT.aspx and AFCEA Signal Magazine articles, https://www.afcea.org/content/?q=taxonomy/term/1246. (Revised 9/13/17.)
4: Communications and GPS Navigation Program Office (PMW/A 170), October 28, 2015, 21 pages (uploaded in SITIS 9/12/17).
KEYWORDS: Wideband SATCOM; Ad-hoc Networking; WAMS; NMT; Point-to-multipoint; T-SCAN; LPI; LPD
