GovernmentIBM Global Business Services Government/Defense

Tactical data links solution for defense from IBMStronger defense through smarter use of data links

2 Tactical data links solution for defense from IBM

Highlights• Allows simpler and faster integration with other systems• Increases information sharing among different system and

unit types• Improves tactical and situational awareness while helping to

better secure critical data• Helps derive more intelligence from data links through

advanced analytics• Enhances interoperability between operational partners

Tactical communications are crucial to command and control. In addition to sharing relevant data with forces to better perform missions, participants must interoperate across service and national boundaries in joint and coalition environments. The IBM® Data Link Processing System allows friendly units, such as ships, submarines, aircraft and land-based units, to communicate more safely.

Contents

2 Highlights

3 Smarter defense: Analytics for better battle-space awareness

3 Tactical data links technology background

6 Link 22: The combined experience

8 IBM Data Link Processing System

9 Tactical data links solutions and services from IBM

10 Technology outlook: Reduced size and enhanced integration

11 Why IBM

11 For more information

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information with data sources — such as unstructured data and non-data link information — to enrich the tactical picture and to provide new insights. You can also use assured sharing solutions for data link information among coalition partners to accommodate national policies. These solutions help you share critical information while better protecting information that must be kept confidential.

Tactical data links technology backgroundIn any military operation, especially during combat conditions, the rapid exchange of accurate tactical information by allied forces can be critical to the outcome. As the role of communica-tions technology becomes more complex, the importance of linking disparate systems grows ever greater. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has developed tactical data link (TDL) standards that are being implemented by all major NATO members and various other nations.

TDLs are standardized radio communications that are used by militaries and other organizations for maintaining a common situational picture among participants in an operational area. TDL communications systems are driven by a highly formatted message structure and bandwidth constraints.

Smarter defense: Analytics for better battle-space awarenessThe world is changing, enabling organizations to make faster, better-informed decisions. Technology and improved processing capabilities have crossed a new threshold in their ability to manage pervasive information, to analyze it in search of insight, to predict risks and opportunities and to drive faster decisions. Integrated solutions help manage, protect, process and analyze unprecedented volumes of structured and unstructured data.

Now, the use of tactical data and other information helps develop a new type of military intelligence. With this new intelligence, defense organizations can make faster, better-informed decisions to drive improved mission performance. However, to use this tactical data, commanders require analytical capabilities to perceive, predict and perform faster with better effects.

IBM can help you use tactical data in new ways with analytics. With IBM, you can analyze the history of data links and discover trends and patterns to derive intelligence that might identify suspicious behavior or provide earlier warning of enemy actions. You can also combine and analyze data link

4 Tactical data links solution for defense from IBM

The physical size and cost of data link systems can often limit the number of enabled links in operations. These limitations can also dampen the effectiveness of non-data link participants who can’t share a common operational picture. The TDL solution for defense from IBM helps alleviate these challenges. But not all new links are compatible with existing links. New links often require some form of interface to enable the flow of communications. For the armed forces of NATO member countries and allied nations, the various benefits that can accompany the use of TDLs are:

• Greater access to real-time and real-time-critical information

• Improved speed of decision making• Reduced risk of friendly fire incidents

The challenges of the future are compounded by the need for new or upcoming TDL standards, such as Joint Range Extension Application Protocol (JREAP), VMF or Link 22. Along with the TDL for defense solution, IBM offers a stand-alone variant that uses the Display and Control System (DCS) from IBM to help enhance the operational effectiveness of existing systems or non-combat management systems (CMS).

Figure 1: Objects received from remote sensors through TDLs shown on the DCS.

Figure 1 shows a situational image on the DCS, developed by IBM, as the tool might be used by a country’s naval forces.

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Data link messages are characterized by their standard message and transmission formats. These formats are designed to promote interoperability in a limited bandwidth environment. TDLs are limited to a specific area of operation and are used for the command and control of forces. Although various TDL standards exist, the two US and NATO data link systems in general use Link 11 and Link 16, as shown in Table 1, compared to the new Link 22.

Link 11Link 11 provides a computer-to-computer exchange of digital tactical information among ships, aircraft and shore installations. Systems that use Link 11 data communications can operate with HF or UHF radios and can use satellite communication as an alternative to provide more range. Based on technology developed in the 1960s, Link 11 is a relatively

slow link that normally operates on a polling system with a net control station (NCS) that polls each participant for data. Link 11 can also be operated in broadcast modes that allow one participant to make a single data transmission or a series of single transmissions. Even though Link 11 is security rich, it is not resistant to electronic countermeasures (ECMs).

Link 16Link 16 is an improved data link standard that is used to exchange near real-time information. As a communication, navigation and identification system, Link 16 supports the information exchange between tactical command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) systems. Link 16 is used in sea, airborne and ground-based units. In addition to enabling units to exchange their tactical picture, Link 16 supports the exchange of text messages and image data. It also provides two channels of digital voice.

Table 1: Basic details of Link 11, Link 16 and Link 22.

Link 11 Link 16 Link 22

Tactical data information link (TADIL) designation

TADIL A/B TADIL J

Radio range

High frequency (HF) Ultra-high frequency (UHF)

• HF: 300 nautical miles (NM)• UHF: 25 NM between ships

150+ NM ship-aircraft

• No HF• UHF: Line-of-sight (LOS)

150+ NM ship-aircraft

• HF 1000 NM• UHF: Line-of-sight

150+ NM ship-aircraft

Standardized NATO Agreement (STANAG)

STANAG 5511 STANAG 5516 STANAG 5522

US Military Standard (MIL-STD) MIL-STD-6011 MIL-STD-6016C

Allied Data Publication (ADatP) for TDL standard operating procedure

ADatP-33 ADatP-33 ADatP-33

Variations None Satellite TADIL J (S-TADIL J or STJ), Joint Range Extension Application Protocol (JREAP), Satellite tactical datal link (STDL)

None

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The radio transmission and reception component of Link 16 can be the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) or its successors, the Multifunctional Information Distribution System -Low Volume Terminal (MIDS-LVT) and Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS). These high-capacity, UHF, line-of-sight (LOS), frequency-hopping data communications terminals provide security-rich, jam-resistant voice and digital data exchange. JTIDS and MIDS terminals operate on the principle of time division multiple access (TDMA), where time slots are allocated among all Link16 network participants for the transmission and reception of data. TDMA eliminates the requirement for a net control station (NCS) by providing a communications network architecture without nodes.

Operating in UHF frequencies, Link 16 is limited to the exchange of information between users within LOS of each other. However, new technologies are providing the means to pass Link 16 data over various protocols such as TCP/IP and UHF satellite communications (SATCOM). Link 16 was intended to replace or augment many existing TDLs as the joint standard for data link information exchange, but its use is limited by the cost of implementation and support.

Link 22: The combined experienceLink 22 is the newest NATO standard for tactical information exchange between military units. The development of Link 22 started in 1992 as the NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE) project. The goals of this project were to replace the aging Link 11 standard, complement Link 16, improve allied interoperability and enhance mission performance. The Link 22 standard was developed to overcome weak points of earlier data links. Such weak points include Link 11’s lack of robustness, susceptibility to interference, and low data rate. Link 16’s weaknesses include a short range and the use of civil aviation frequencies. The NATO member nations that participated in the development of Link 22 are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom and the US. Today, the Link 22 standard is operational.

Link 22 transmits data in fixed-format messages that are compatible with Link 16 formats. Like Link 16, communication channels are shared by using TDMA protocols. The specification for Link 22 is the Standardized NATO Agreement (STANAG) 5522. The structure of the Link 22 network layer allows for the transmission of any kind and length of data with automated routing and relaying mechanisms. Link 22 also features automated bandwidth reallocation depending on user requirements and availabilities.

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IBM has been a major contributor to the development of Link 22 standards and capabilities since the early 1990s. IBM jointly developed the system network controller (SNC) and was responsible for the production of the Link 22 data link processor functional requirement specification (FRS).

The SNC is the core component of Link 22 and was integrated into the Data Link Processing System enclosure by IBM. The SNC can dynamically manage up to eight simultaneous physical radio networks, known as NILE Networks (NN), in a single logical network called the Super Network (SN). Each of the physical radio networks can be HF, UHF, fixed-frequency (FF) or frequency-hopping. UHF links are intended for LOS communication only. For HF, the algorithms in the SNC are optimized to cover a range of 300 nautical miles (NM). Live trials have shown that ranges over 600 NM can be covered without noticeable problems.

The SNC overcomes many of the limitations of earlier data links. Included with the SNC is an automatic routing and relay function for the transfer of messages within the entire SN without operator assistance. If congestion occurs, the dynamic congestion management function helps ensure that messages are routed a different way to reach the intended recipient. Mission area subnets (MASN) can be established quickly to build subnets that can be addressed for operational purposes. Late network entry (LNE) helps ensure that NILE Units (NUs) can enter a network at any time. Almost without interruption, networks can be dynamically reconfigured or reinitialized if necessary.

IBM Link 22 capabilities were integrated into the Canadian Department of National Defence HALIFAX Class Modernization/Frigate Life Extension (HCM/FELEX) program. The HCM/FELEX program upgraded the combat systems capabilities of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class frigates, including new and existing systems.

The Link 22 capabilities developed by IBM are directly implemented into the multilink IBM Data Link Processing System. These capabilities are also integrated into a modern, service-oriented architecture that can adapt to meet the interoperability requirements of modern operations. The IBM solution for Link 22 combines extensive domain experience in mission-tactical messaging with the technological advantages of IBM, a global leader in enterprise messaging and collaboration.

In support of Lockheed Martin Canada (prime contractor), IBM provided the new multilink Data Link Processing System to replace its Link 11 system.

Companies that want to implement Link 22 capabilities have two options:

• If your company is from a country that is one of the NILE member nations, you can contact your government’s NILE representative.

• If your company is based in a country that is not a NILE member nation, you can contact the NILE Program Management Office to forward your request to the NILE Steering Committee for guidance and approval.

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IBM Data Link Processing SystemThe IBM Data Link Processing System is a vital component of the TDL solution and provides a robust multilink system that uses NATO standards. This system enables interoperability among various data link standards:

• Link 11• Satellite tactical data link (STDL) 16• JTIDS Link 16• MIDS Link 16• Link 22• JREAP A and C

The IBM Data Link Processing System isolates its host system from different data formats and protocols of the TDL to facilitate interoperability. Data is exchanged with the host system in the most appropriate format to the host, and not driven by data links. Changes to the TDL standards can be implemented in the IBM Data Link Processing System with reduced impact on the host combat management system, promoting more cost efficient lifecycle maintenance.

The IBM Data Link Processing System includes many functions to improve your operations:

• Supports concurrent operations on multiple TDLs with or without forwarding data between data links

• Monitors and reports system status and the statuses of other data link equipment

• Receives tactical information from other systems and units, correlates it with the local picture and reports it to the combat system

• Transmits the status of friendly ships’ weapon systems and engagements

• Transmits instructions for the deployment of other units or weapons that are under the command system’s control

• Supports data link network management• Correlates and decorrelates relevant data• Detects conflicts and gridlock or registration• Forwards data between the data links• Conducts concurrent operations• Records data

The IBM Data Link Processing System is designed to provide an intelligent interface system that allows a command system to interface with TDLs for the exchange of information with other friendly units. Today, the IBM Data Link Processing System is operational with various military organizations:

• The United Kingdom’s Royal Navy aboard many major warships, including Type 23 frigates, aircraft carriers, and landing platform docks and helicopters (LPD/LPH)

• The Federal German Navy onboard the F123 and F122 frigates

• The Royal Canadian Navy Halifax Class• Land-based test and training sites

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The IBM Data Link Processing System software runs on modern commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware that can be procured from a broad range of suppliers to meet specific client requirements. This software can also be integrated in a rack-mounted enclosure as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Inside view of the IBM Data Link Processing System rack-mounted enclosure.

Tactical data links solutions and services from IBMTDLs provide an avenue for transferring tactical data between different units, such as ships, aircraft and land-based units. IBM has been involved in the provision of TDLs and TDL-related services to armed forces and procurement agencies since the 1990s. Since entering the field of TDLs, IBM has had many major engagements:

• Production of the IBM Data Link Processing System for the Royal Navy, Federal German Navy and Royal Canadian Navy

• Production of the Autonomous Link Eleven System (ALES) for the Royal Marines

• Development of the NILE Link 22 program• Support for the integration of TDL solutions, including

software and hardware for several nations• Integration and logistical support of Joint Interface Control

Officer (JICO) Support Systems (JSS) for the German Armed Forces

• Consultation of TDL suppliers and integrators for systems and units

• Support for the German Navy Link 22 PD study• Support for the German Navy multilink study (MULUS)• Development of the Combat Management Integrated

System Environment (CMISE)• Development of the UK MOD Tactical Beyond Line-Of-

Sight (TBLOS)• Support for the Federal German Navy to define system

integration in iSmart

Besides the Data Link Processing System, IBM has developed an initialization and network management (INMT) tool that provides operators with the ability to initialize the system and control its status while in operation. The initialization function includes a tool for importing operational setup data from the OPTASK link and the respective network load files.

10 Tactical data links solution for defense from IBM

Based on this experience, IBM offers many services related to TDLs. These services include interoperability testing, training development and the delivery of TDL training courses. For the Data Link Processing System, IBM offers services for integra-tion into clients’ environments. Furthermore, IBM offers integration of third-party systems into client environments.

Technology outlook: Reduced size and enhanced integrationThe IBM tactical data links team ported the IBM TDLs solution onto a smaller COTS processing unit and integrated this device with all of the necessary components into a rugged housing. The goal of this project was to massively reduce the size, weight and power consumption of the complete TDLs solution. Included in this device is the latest version of the IBM Data Links Processing System, the initialization and network management software, the TDL IBM Display and Control System and the Link 22 SNC software. Also included is remote control software for accessing the system from any operator workstation. The system supports Link 11, Link 16, Link 22 and JREAP, and can be integrated with various systems and units.

Figure 3 illustrates the reduced size of this solution on a small form factor PC/104-Plus Single Board Computer (SBC), which is shown alongside a centimeter measuring tape to demonstrate the proportions.

Figure 3: TDL system from IBM on a small form factor PC board.

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Why IBMSuccessfully addressing the challenges that face defense organizations requires more than new technology. It requires an end-to-end approach based on a clear understanding of the issues that clients are working to overcome. IBM helps clients by providing extensive knowledge of client business processes, advanced business and technological thinking, and talented professionals who are passionate about what they do.

IBM is committed to supporting and assisting defense organizations as they transition from the industrial age to the information age. The IBM Global Defense Industry is a dedicated worldwide team of defense industry specialists and solution developers who are focused on helping clients achieve information superiority.

Network-centric operations solutions from IBM combine insight into defense organizations with leading strategic consulting skills. With virtually unparalleled technical assets, IBM helps clients develop more effective, efficient and responsive capabilities for their operations.

For more informationFor more information about defense solutions from IBM, visit ibm.com/industries/government/defense.html.

To schedule a briefing and to learn more about the IBM Tactical Data Links for defense solution, contact:

Gordon McDonald, GBS, IBM Canada gordon1@ca.ibm.com Phone: 1-613-249-1568 Mobile: 1-613-292-9476

or

Oliver Pahl, GBS, IBM Germany Oliver.Pahl@ca.ibm.com Phone: +49-4421-8062-220 Mobile: +49-172-6238242

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