Scalable Real-Time Tactical Radio Channel Simulator

There exists a need for a RF channel simulation framework that can aid in the analysis of the next generation of mobile multi-protocol wideband tactical systems such as JTRS operating under challenging channel conditions. To address this need, Scalable Networks and UCLA propose to develop a real-time scenario-based Tactical Radio Channel Simulator (TRCS) capable of incorporating effects due to factors such as vegetation, terrain, seasonal conditions, atmospheric conditions in various environments including urban, forest, open ocean, and deserts. Other factors that will be modeled in TRCS are standard fading profiles, inter-symbol interference; the mobility impacts of hills, valleys, foliage, and vehicle speed; the altitude and speed of aircraft; antenna blockages due to host platform characteristics; and the presence of intentional and unintentional interference. This simulation-based model will output propagation data in a format suitable for driving hardware-based channel emulators. The TRCS will also provide graphical tools to configure the TRCS simulation and analyze its output data. In Phase I of this effort we will determine the feasibility of and develop a conceptual design for a modular RF simulation, prediction, and visualization tool which when connected to hardware channel emulators can apply realistic channel effects to communication between live radios.