The application of spread-spectrum communications to REA tactical networks and deployable underwater surveillance systems

Abstract

The present document is a part of an ongoing study on advanced communication techniques in support of Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) and Deployable Undersea Surveillance Systems (DUSS). It aims at the definition of data transmission architectures for both scientific data acquisition at SACLANTCEN and for operational concept demonstration. Emerging methodologies for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) increasingly rely on communication technology, in order to exchange information with other naval units or military commands ashore. The specific requirements (such as ranges and transmission data rates) are addressed. They vary from 2.4 kbps to 2 Mbps and from 10 to 20 n.mi. In addition to that, all military applications have common requirements in terms of reliability, availability and security. The eligibility of classical and spread-spectrum radio communication techniques to the fulfillment of such requirements is discussed and shown. Performance is estimated and compared. Spread-spectrum techniques offer such features as interference rejection, anti-jam capability and low-density power spectra for covert operations: field tests of spread-spectrum equipment have successfully been conducted in 1998 during SACLANTCEN experiments GOATS 98 and DUSS 98. The availability of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products including sophisticated communication protocols also represents a relevant issue for scientific applications. Such features as the creation of a multi-point, error-free, packet switching Local Area Network (LAN) deserve to be carefully investigated in their impact on DUSS and REA applications.