INDUSTRY INTERVIEW: L-C Communications

A: Linkabit is on the leading edge of technology in many diverse areas of interest for the U.S. military. This includes everything from HF/VHF manpack radios and modems, UHF DAMA systems, SHF SATCOM terminals/modems, and threat simulators to millimeter wave obscuration systems. We also provide sophisticated ground-based SIGINT systems integrated into mobile platforms for programs such as Prophet, as well as SIGINT receivers and complementary antennas. We are well known for our complex waveform developments, having originally designed the initial release of the UHF DAMA Advanced Digital Waveform and the Network-Centric Waveform [NCW], which is a tangible success of the Army WIN-T program. Our products also frequently provide embedded TRANSEC and COMSEC. In addition to our products, we are very fortunate to employ a highly capable and technically competent work force motivated to support our U.S. military customers. Many Linkabit employees choose to work here to make a difference and life safer for those in harm’s way. This is our culture and one that we take pride in fostering.

Q: You mentioned WIN-T and the NCW. Why was this waveform designed?

A: NCW was designed to support DoD’s initiative to transform military wireless communication from static point-to-point circuit-based systems to dynamic pointto- multi-point IP-packet-based networks. Our goal was to develop a capability for the network-centric warfighter by extending the Internet IP model throughout the GIG, in a forward deployment, with autonomous control, speed and quality of service attributes, and so on. These goals were accomplished while also meeting the design challenges of providing more efficient use of the available bandwidth, and providing communications infrastructure and coverage while mobile and with multiple varied users. A distinguishing attribute of NCW is certainly the SATCOM on-the-move [OTM] capability, but NCW was predominantly developed to accommodate concurrent heterogeneous communications from the smallest aperture mobile terminal to the largest aperture strategic terminal in the same network. Consequently, NCW allows the user a greater flexibility to configure complex networks in a tactical environment and ultimately to provide communications capability down to lower echelons. This capability ultimately allows commanders to make even more effective, timely decisions.

Q: Can you describe key attributes of NCW?

A: NCW implements a full mesh IP over SATCOM MF-TDMA architecture designed to operate in the SHF spectrum over transponded satellites. The waveform employs a dynamic DAMA scheduler that allocates satellite resources on the basis of strict data priority with adapted quality of service support, meaning time-sensitive data is given priority. Other powerful attributes are that frequency and bandwidth allocation is dynamically assigned frame to frame. There is also dynamic link power control, powerful FEC, and modulation and data rate control on a burst-by-burst basis. This combination makes effective use of the satellite’s bandwidth and power to support the maximum number of IP users on the satellite. NCW is flexible and scalable, as no special hub hardware is required. For NCW, the hub is referred to as the network controller [NC] and a member terminal is referred to as a net member. Any single terminal acting as an NC can support a deployed network, and there can be automatic and seamless network control handover—planned or unplanned—in less than eight seconds, thereby ensuring minimal data loss.

NCW is also effective for providing SATCOM OTM through techniques that allow for fast reacquisition in/out of blockage due to buildings or obstructions. To meet FCC EIRP power spectral density limits, the waveform also implements dynamic direct sequence spreading. NCW is natively structured to accommodate Advance Encryption Standard cover and certified to FIPS140-2. It was for these main attributes that NCW and Linkabit’s MPM-1000 modem are standard for WIN-T Increment 2.

Q: What products provide the SATCOM OTM capability?

A: This capability is available now through Linkabit’s MPM-1000 modem and TRM- 1000 terminals [MPM-1000 modem coupled with L-3 Datron’s LP or LC SOTM antennas] that host NCW. The hardware supports networked services over any military or commercial transponded, C/X/Ku/ Ka-band satellite. Delay-sensitive circuits such as VoIP and video are also supported. NCW was also developed to take full advantage of the emerging multi-band, multibeam, Wideband Global System [WGS] satellite. It was designed to optimize the WGS satellites’ switching capability to provide the greatest operational capability and to react quickly to deep Ka-band fades so it provides solid communications throughout expected environmental conditions. The hardware has been proven through many successful demonstrations over the last three years. It has also been deployed operationally. In short, NCW is an incredibly powerful waveform that is a technology enabler to provide our soldiers one of the best SATCOM capabilities available. ♦

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