Tactical communication networks using multiband multimode radios

The paper describes a simulation of possible deployment scenarios of the multiband, multimode radio (MBMR) in a tactical situation. The MBMR concept envisions simultaneous communication over two or more different broadcast media. The simulation creates a framework considering an army company level operation, where elements at various echelons are equipped with MBMR and/or conventional radios. A derailed traffic model generates multi-packet voice and data messages to be transferred among these elements. A channel effects model includes the effects of power loss due to propagation, receiver loss, transmitter and receiver antenna gain, propagation delay, and multipath fading. A motion model allows for arbitrary movement of the various elements. The output of the simulation provides statistics on packet and message delays. An example using a hypothetical scenario illustrates the capabilities