Tactical DMS: a global broadcast service option

Abstract

This thesis presents one possible method of integrating the DMS and GBS systems. This effort is undertaken in order to explore how the DMS messaging capability can be extended to the mobile, tactical user via a new, more robust broadcast subsystem. The Navy's current Fleet Broadcast subsystem is not prepared to handle the increased traffic load expected from the conversion to DMS-based messaging. The application of GBS as a 'next generation' Fleet Broadcast offers an expansive leap in tactical broadcast communication capability. DMS broadcast to the tactical environment via GBS is achieved through the application of relatively new, commercially developed network addressing and mobile-user routing protocols. Adaptation of a broadcast messaging capability into the DMS is also incorporated. Incompatibility issues are resolved at the transport and network layers instead of higher-layer data format conversion. The proposed communications architecture provides for a high data-rate message broadcast system, capable of carrying DMS traffic to mobile units.