Principles and Features of Link 16 Systems
Link 16 is a secure system protocol that allows different military users to share data over the same network.
Link 16’s popularity has led to the DoD finding ways to expand Link 16 as new technologies appear. Consequently, the U.S. military has expressed strong interest in expanding Link 16 capabilities to maintain the tactical advantage needed to succeed across today’s data-driven, contested battlespace.
One solution is Concurrent Multiple Reception (CMR) in which a radio can demodulate and decrypt multiple messages from multiple users simultaneously.
Multi-message capability also allows CMR devices to share data between specific users while still receiving information from the broader network, all in a single timeslot.
This is expected to increase the overall network efficiency and capacity because multiple networks can operate in the same theater of operation.
Ever since Link 16 was commissioned into operation, Link 16 has received numerous accolades by NATO allies.
Today, Link 16 is considered the standard by which other systems are measured for secure, airborne situational awareness. In fact, experts in this are point out that Link 16 has been credited by the U.S. Air Force as a key factor for saving lives in multiple theaters due to the increased situational awareness the system provides.
Link 16 data is transmitted via Link 16 terminals found in a range of platforms, including aircraft, surface ships, ground vehicles, missile defense systems, networked weapons, and command and control networks.
These terminals can operate Link 16 capabilities exclusively or can combine Link 16 functions with other advanced military waveforms.
To assure continuous secure and uninterrupted communications, compulsory Link 16 protocol updates are implemented as needed across the network, with system sunset dates pre-announced to all network participants so they can update their various platforms’ equipment and procedures effectively.
Link 16 uses Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) to provide multiple, simultaneous communication paths through different nets.
A big benefit of using Link 16 is enhanced security. Link 16 uses two types of encryption including TRANSEC and Message Encryption (MSEC) and thus requires two crypto variables for a Partitioned Variable Mode (PVM) NPG or one variable for CVM NPG.
Link 16 transmissions are protected by encryption devices in the terminal or aircraft electronic systems.
In contrast to other communications link waveforms, Link 16:
- Improves security
- Improves jam resistance
- Improves situational awareness
- Increases data throughput
- Increases capacity of information exchanged
But advocates are calling for even greater Link 16 cybersecurity as this important data link branches out into even more advanced applications.
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