A conceptual framework for tactical private satellite networks

Abstract

The purpose of this research is three-fold. First is to examine the current state of military satellite communications and to analyze current trends in the commercial satellite communications market that support military Command and Control, as well as facilitate network operations. Second is the operational implementation of such private satellite networks within the context of Net Centric Operations, as well as within the context of a coalition environment. Third, this work will illustrate how the private satellite network could be managed, as well as understanding how the network could be used in the context of a network management control channel to exercise management of numerous dispersed network devices and nodes. The focus will be to define, examine, and research the conceptual framework for a tactical private satellite network that facilitates Command and Control of geographically dispersed tactical units, as well as provides a mechanism for the management of tactical networks. After having acquired a clear picture of today's state and future's capabilities of SATCOM, research will be directed to how a tactical private satellite network would be implemented to support Network Centric Operations and how this tactical private satellite network could be utilized as a tool for the management of tactical networks. During the research, a number of secondary, yet supportive topics, need to be examined, such as, how that tactical private satellite network can be implemented to facilitate collaboration between Other Government Agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations, and Coalition partners from other countries or how it would be managed to offer to its subscribers the desired service in terms of quantity (throughput) and overall quality. To materialize the above, this thesis considers it essential to thoroughly examine a commercial base station which is fully capable of managing this satellite network under any conditions. The whole concept of this Tactical Private Satellite Network is examined based on two innovative approaches. First, the establishment of two different logical channels inside the physical one and second, the concept of a private satellite network and its implementation is examined as a method for direct delivery of data.