Protocols for DATA/Voice Networking

ViaSat proposes to develop a set of protocols to allow voice users to efficiently use the full range of available digital networks available to Navy platforms. The protocols will have extensive flexibility, in order co work on narrow-band HF channels, as well as higher bandwidth packet oriented networks. By decoupling the voice link control information from the actual voice data, we can take advantage of multimedia networks to provide for separate transmission paths. By aggressively manipulating the underlying vocoded structures we can also obtain additional compression. Since the voice will share the same digital networks as data users, the Navy will obtain great benefits in total network performance, no longer needing to set aside special channels for voice. ViaSat will provide characterizations of the full range of RF media which can be used for voice, and provide protocol parameters for compatability with each of these media types. ViaSat will also develop the means to connect into the public switch network, to provide "direct-dialing" from any participating platform to the world of telephone comoiunications. The proposed approach provides direct support for the Copernicus architecture.