Comparative analysis of network approaches for tactical wireless communications, validated by Joint Communication Simulation System (JCSS) simulations a Swedish perspective

Abstract

This thesis project explores two approaches for military tactical wireless communications solutions in the context of being useful for the Swedish Armed Forces. The study's tactical perspective focuses on a force of battalion size. The two network approaches, ad hoc networking and infrastructure based, were analyzed and compared via simulation. As a baseline for this thesis project, research was initiated based on appropriate communication requirements for the tactical force. This was followed by background research into current technologies for ad hoc networking and infrastructure-based systems. In order to analyze and compare the two technology approaches, a model was developed using the software Joint Communication Simulation System (JCSS) and a battalion-sized network simulation using ad hoc and infrastructure-based technology. This thesis project addressed tactical force requirements from the perspective of the basic Swedish Armed Forces principle for command and control, which is Maneuver Warfare. Evaluation of the technologies is discussed through the important perspectives of capacity, mobility, flexibility, robustness, interoperability, and cost. By analyzing the technology approaches from these perspectives, this thesis project attempts to provide the Swedish Armed Forces with more information and understanding, which in-turn will allow better-suited future developments of all tactical wireless communication systems.