Heterogeneous tactical networks

Different types of communication systems have their characteristic strengths and weaknesses. A fixed network is often designed for a very high capacity, while a radio system can be designed to have long range, good support for mobility or robustness. All these qualities are difficult to reconcile in a single radio system. An important tactical requirement for a modern mobile tactical communication network is that it should enable communication even in areas without coverage from radio masts or base stations. Such fully mobile networks have for physical reasons sometimes a limited capacity. By linking different types of communication systems together, user needs such as better opportunity for mobile users to communicate with the fixed network, higher capacity and better support for interoperability, can be better met. We term such complex networks heterogeneous. This report aims to briefly describe the possibilities and challenges when different radio and communication systems are linked together, and some of the techniques that can be used to utilize the full potential of a network-based system for communication as well as command and control. The report describes the principles for selecting a good path through the network from sender to receiver. This is important, both for the efficieny of the network and to handle services that require high data rates. In addition, we consider techniques for mobility management and quality of service in heterogeneous networks. An example is that individual network definitions and rules for QoS need to be coordinated at a high level. The report also contains an appendix with an in depth description of the relevant technologies and protocols.