Telemetry: enhancing tactical network management

A prototype was developed to process telemetry messages from tactical transmission assemblages in a digital group multiplexer (DGM) network and present status information to the nodal network manager. A data orderwire (DOW) system continuously forwards telemetry data from each DGM assemblage within the network. The DOW system is readily available for use, yet there is no capability at an Army tactical communications node to monitor the telemetry data within the DOW. Telemetry messages contain status information, including subcomponent alarms, for each DGM assemblage in the transmission network. This paper details the design approach for a telemetry processing prototype as well as background information on the DOW system. The telemetry processing prototype runs within a graphical user interface on a 486 personal computer (PC) that interfaces with the nodal communications system control element (CSCE) at each tactical communications node. The nodal CSCE contains the equipment which terminates the DOW. From a central location, the prototype can simultaneously monitor alarms from all DGM assemblages within a node´s portion of the overall transmission network. Ongoing enhancements will extend the usefulness of telemetry data throughout the entire network, allowing the Army to project technical expertise in support of signal force projection