Tactical Data Links are secure military communication standards that exchange tactical data between platforms and commands.
The “data link” term refers to all technologies, applications and messages packages used in the communication system.
The military “tactical data link” term represents the data links used as support in military actions. Known data links were designed according to specific standards such as Link 1, Link 4, Link 11, Link 14, Link 16 or Link 22. Each TDL has been developed for specific military communication requirements. Some of them are obsolete, but still in use.
Link 16 is one of the newest TDLs and the most advanced tactical data link network. What sets Link 16 apart from other tactical data links (TDL) is that it does not depend on any one terminal to act as a node for the Link 16 network.
Link 16 TDL has an amazing capacity for real-time transfer of combat data, voice communications, imagery and relative navigational information between dispersed battle elements using encryption and frequency hopping to maintain secure communications.
This kind of technologically advanced TDL was needed because of the unprecedented rise in the data and information volume required for planning, decision making and commanding military actions. Link 16 is especially adept at providing situational awareness in all environments (land, air and sea) during the chaos of a battlespace.
Link 16 permits critical information to be delivered to commanders in near real time, at the right location and in the required form, in order for them to make decisions (in command and control processes) during military action deployment by the joint forces.
This intricate communication system is critical for interoperability of NATO and coalition forces. It is also used by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army for air and sea operations, as well as air and missile defense.
Link 16 Tactical Data Link Training
Tonex offers a 3-day Link 16 Tactical Data Link Training course where participants learn both the fundamentals and intricacies of Link 16. Many useful topics are covered including:
- Understanding similarities and differences between Link 16 Networks and Nets
- Identifying the role of key network nodes, interfaces, protocols, control and related protocols
- Understanding the role of Joint Range Extension Applications Protocol (JREAP)
- Exploring Link 16 / JTIDS / MIDS architecture
- Discussing Link 16 Network Enable Weapons
- Discussing the Tactical Digital Information Link (TADIL)
- Calculate Link 16 capacity and Time Slot Duty Factor (TSDF)
Tonex offers nearly a dozen courses in Link 16 Training such as:
—Joint Range Extension Applications Protocol Training/JREAP Training Bootcamp (4 days)
—Link 16 Advanced Training/Network Enabled Weapons Bootcamp (4 days)
—Link 16 and MIDS Training Bootcamp (5 days)
—Link 16 Cybersecurity Crash Course (4 days)
—Link 16 Systems Engineering Training Course (3 days)
—Link 16 Training for Managers (3 days)
—Tactical Data Link Training Crash Course/TDL Training Bootcamp (4 days)
–Tactical Data Links (TDL) Testing Training Bootcamp (4 days)
–Variable Message Format (VMF) Training Bootcamp (4 days)
Why Tonex?
- Tonex is internationally recognized as a Tactical Data Link training provider with subject matter experts.
- Our Link 16 courses are designed by Link 16 experts in the field, and this allows our workshops to excel in certain topics that only professionals in the field would understand.
- Reasonably priced classes taught by the best trainers is the reason all kinds of organizations from Fortune 500 companies to government’s most important agencies return for updates in courses and hands-on workshops.
- Ratings tabulated from student feedback post-course evaluations show an amazing 98 percent satisfaction score.
For more information, questions, comments, contact us.