Principles and Features of Link 16 Systems
Principles and Features of Link 16 Systems is a 3-day course that focuses on learning the key principles and concepts behind Link 16.
Participants also learn why Link 16 is important and how the DoD keeps improving Link 16 to stay in step with technological advancements.
Link 16 is a standardized communications system used by U.S., NATO, and Coalition forces for transmitting and exchanging real time tactical data using links between allied military network participants.
Also known as TADIL J., Link 16 has been a superstar for the DoD because of its dependability and ability to evolve with technological advancements.
Originated in the 1970s, link 16 has evolved over time to include Small Tactical Terminals (STTs), the installation of Link 16 capable radios on platforms as small as ATVs, and the AN/PRC-161 handheld radio that pushes Link 16 capabilities further down to individual dismounted users.
Link 16 is based on time-division multiple access (TDMA) communications technology, and is a secure, jam-resistant, high-speed digital data link that operates at RF and microwave frequencies from 960 to 1,215 MHz.
This frequency range limits information exchange directly to line-of-sight distances, although satellite communications (SATCOM) and ad hoc protocols can pass Link 16 data over long-haul protocols such as TCP/IP using MIL-STD 3011 (JREAP) or STANAG 5602 (SIMPLE).
Information typically passes at rates of 31.6, 57.6, or 115.2 kilobits per second.
Link 16 also facilitates the exchange of sensor information, enabling command and control centers—either centralized or distributed—to create Common Operating Pictures (COP). Interoperability provided by Link 16 allows each participant in the communication link to electronically observe the battlespace, identify threats, and acquire targets.
Link 16 information is commonly broadcast through radio frequency bearers, but it can also distribute information via landlines, satellites, and serial links. It is a sophisticated radio designed to broadcast omni-directionally, providing maximum interoperability for dispersed and/or fast-moving participants. Messages sent via Link 16 can be broadcast simultaneously to as many users as needed.
Principles and Features of Link 16 Systems
Principles and Features of Link 16 System is designed to help participants understand Link-16, how it works, tools, and techniques associated with it.
Principles and Features of Link 16 System is a combination of theoretical and practical concepts. The practical module includes individual/group activities, and workshops. The case studies and projects are chosen from the real-world cases and scenarios.
Who Should Attend?
This course is designed for electronic warfare, avionics systems engineers, hardware and software engineers, managers, and employees with little or no Link 16 experience. The course is also useful for those who have experience with Link 16 but have never had any formal training on the standard.
What You Will Learn
- An overview of Link 16
- A summary of Link 16 key features, principles and applications
- How to implement a Link 16 network
- An overview of Link 16-capable systems
- How to design a Link 16 capability
Training Objectives
Upon the completion of Link 16 training for managers, the attendees will:
- Learn key principles and concepts behind Link 16
- Discuss various features of Link 16
- Learn the key concepts behind Link 16 / JTIDS / MIDS LVT/MID JTRS
- Outline the rules and specifications of JTIDS and MIDS
- Understand Link 16 TDMA and access mode
- Discuss how Joint Range Extension Applications Protocol (JREAP) works
Course Outline
Overview of Link-16
- What is link 16?
- What is TDL?
- Link 16 specifications
- What was the reason to develop link 16 in the first place?
- Link 16 lifecycle
- Link 16 terminology
- Why manage link 16?
- Link 16 advantages
MIDS/Link 16 Operational Functions
- Air defense
- Anti-air warfare
- Anti-surface warfare
- Anti-submarine warfare
- Reconnaissance and intelligence gathering
- Electronic Warfare (EW)
- Air to air and air to ground targeting.
Fundamental Link 16 Applications
- Precise Participant Location and Identification (PPLI)
- Status
- Surveillance (tracks, reference points and management)
- Command and control (mission management, organization, and weapons control)
- Electronic warfare
- Intelligence
- Navigation
- Voice
Link 16 Architecture
- Network planning
- Concepts behind NPGs
- Architecture components
- Completing network
- Beat De-confliction
- Frequency tasks
- TDMA/Link 16 structure channel
- Categories of Link 16 terminal message
- Inside the time slot
- Architecture case studies
Link 16 Operations
- Multilink functions
- Mutual service functions
- Battle team surveillance
- Battle team airfare
- Cooperative boundary control
- Operating deliberations
- Link troubleshooting deliberations
Link 16 Terminals and Features
- Link 16 data terminals
- Transmitting and receiving voice
- JTIDS TACAN port delay
Link 16 Network Management
- Contributing teams
- Time slot projects
- Network responsibilities
- Network entry
- Exact participant position and ID
- Communications
- Secure communication
- Multinetting
- Range extensions techniques