Scenario Based Radio Simulator and Analysis Tool

Toyon Research Corporation proposes to develop a scenario-based radio simulator and analysis tool which can be used to simulate, analyze, and test the next generation of mobile multi-protocol tactical systems. The tool will be based upon, and integrated into, Toyon"s Geospatial Analysis Planning Support Communications (GAPS-Comms) Toolbox, a geographic information system (GIS) framework complete with an intuitive graphical user interface, detailed 3-D environment models (terrain, foliage, buildings, and weather), dynamic vehicles, rapid line-of-sight algorithms, widely used communication models, and real-time network analysis. The new tool will compute and output parameters for each RF channel (including multi-path values) as vehicles/radios move about the scenario, automatically selecting the most appropriate models for path loss, delay, Doppler shift, and fading. It will also interface to a channel emulator, providing the capability to evaluate and display live radios operating in-the-loop. In Phase I we will develop the prototype tool, build a relevant operational scenario, and demonstrate the real-time visualization of time varying RF link characteristics. We will also deliver the standalone software application. In Phase II we will improve the automatic extraction of channel parameters from the scenario, connect and test the tool with live radios, and demonstrate the in-the-loop channel characterization capability.