A communication modeling approach for advanced distributed simulation

NRL is developing an end-to-end distributed simulation environment in support of several Navy technology development programs. One of the critical needs in this distributed simulation environment is a tactical communications emulator. Current distributed simulation exercises seldom provide a flexible communications system model with realistic fidelity. As a result, we are creating a Tactical Communications Model Server architecture which operates in Advanced Distributed Simulations (ADS). We are taking an evolutionary approach that will allow integration of specialized or general Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) communication connectivity models. This paper describes our objectives, the system architecture and design trade-off considerations.