This is a study of the methods of control of an advanced military communication system. The Tactical Communication Control System has been conceived to meet the demands of military users which are currently both analog and digital but steadily evolving to all - digital. It is a study of the design and application of multiplexers, modems, processors, switches, and other nodal equipment to accommodate communications among telephone and data users in a tactical environment. The main points of interest are the communication node and the control techniques used to carry out system objectives.

International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 28-31, 1996 / Town and Country Hotel and Convention Center, San Diego, California / The 21st Century Live Play (21CLP) program is developing a mobile, low cost, wireless networking system that supports applications to provide a number of services for military use. 21CLP is a joint Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Central Test and Evaluation Investment Program (CTEIP) project. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Newport (NUWCDIVNPT), Code 382 has been assigned as the program manager for a T&E version of the 21CLP system. The 21CLP vision is a common instrumentation function that links, in real-time, live land, air and maritime entities together with a virtual battlespace in any location where forces are deployed or being trained, weapons systems are being tested and evaluated, and ultimately where missions are being conducted. This vision will be realized with an embedded, mobile, distributed, untethered system that requires little or no site preparation.

This document summarizes a research effort focused on improving live-to-virtual (L-V) communication systems. The purpose of this work is to address a significant challenge facing the tactical communications training community through the development of the Live-to-Virtual Relay Radio Prediction Algorithm and implementation of the algorithm into an Integrated Live-to-Virtual Communications Server prototype device. The motivation for the work and the challenges of integrating live and virtual communications are presented. Details surrounding the formulation of the prediction algorithm and a description of the prototype system, hardware, and software architectures are shared. Experimental results from discrete event simulation analysis and prototype functionality testing accompany recommendations for future investigation. If the methods and technologies summarized are implemented, an estimated equipment savings of 25%-53% and an estimated cost savings of $150,000.00 - $630,000.00 per site are anticipated. Thus, a solution to a critical tactical communications training problem is presented through the research discussed.