Robust OVer-the-Horizon Multimedia Data Link for C4I

Multimedia data are increasingly used in military operations. Emerging data communications standards such as Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) and Frame Relay are designed for multimedia data, but not for the severe fading that can occur on Over-the-Horizon (OTH) radio communications channels. In order to permit the application of such standards on fading channels we propose a new technology, combining advanced modulation techniques, adaptive data rate, spread spectrum, and efficient data protocols in the physical layer. The new technology is applied to a new class of light weight OTH radios much more cost-effective than current radios, and still ideally suited for a wide range of applications involving wireless multimedia data connectivity. The cost effectiveness is achieved by technologies specifically aimed at applications with bursts data, such as computer data/file transfers, image transmission, and many other C4I applications. The proposed data link technology is also applicable to conventional data types such as digitized voice and video. A study of the performance is proposed, including cost tradeoffs, optimization of parameters for high throughput and low error rate, and an investigation of the LPI/LPD performance. The technology will be thoroughly tested with computer simulations. A design of an OTH radio will be developed for the selected C4I application. A prototype will be built, tested and demonstrated in Phase II. Military Benefits: The proposed OTH radio system is a dual use technology. It can be applied to a wide range of tactical military communications, such as intelligence data, digitized image transmission, remote medical care, digital map distribution, and database access. It can also be applied to provide easier connections to command posts, radar sites, JTIDS ground stations, and between various mobile and fixed networks (SINCGARS, HAVEQUICK, etc.).