A Software-based network infrastructure for mobile ad hoc data networking in support of small tactical units using the SINCGARS radio

Abstract

Currently, there is no infrastructure in place to provide data networking capabilities to ground-based tactical units below the battalion level. Legacy, voice-centric radios, organic to these units, possesses no inherent packet switched networking capability. The infrastructure for such a network is presented in this thesis. Specifically, with the SINCGARS providing the Physical Layer, a software-implemented Data Link Layer is presented. Both an Aloha-like and a CSMA protocol are implemented for media access control. Additionally, a novel routing algorithm, Expected Relative Positioning with Congestion Avoidance (ERP/CA), is presented as the Network Layer protocol. This protocol is optimized for military application, using policies regarding movement and positioning within formations to inform its routing selections. Finally, a prototype application is presented to demonstrate the use of the proposed small tactical unit, mobile ad hoc network infrastructure. The application is used in the functional testing of the layer 2 and layer 3 protocols. Results of the functional testing are presented.