Real time “system-in-the-loop” simulation of tactical networks

Military mission success probability is closely related to careful planning of communication infrastructures for Command and Control Information Systems (C2IS). Over recent years, the designers of tactical networks have realized more and more need for using simulation tools in the process of designing networks with optimal performances, in regard to terrain conditions. One of the most demanding simulation problems is the modeling of protocols and devices; especially on the application layer, because the credibility of simulation results mainly depends on the quality of modeling. A new branch of communications network simulations has appeared for resolving these kinds of problems the - simulations with real communication devices in the simulation loop. Such simulations initiate real-time into the simulation process. The results of our research are aimed at simulation methodology. Using this system, military command personnel, can perform realistic training on the real C2IS equipment connected to the simulation tool, by modeled wireless links over a virtual terrain. In our research work, we used the OPNET Modeler simulation tool, with additional modules.