Application Note

Using ASTi's Tactical Data Link/Data Bridge Feature (#26)

Purpose

The purpose of this application note is to detail the use of the Tactical Data Link/Data Bridge (TDL) feature.

To support the concept of a digitized battlefield, albeit simulated, ASTi has developed a Tactical Data Link feature. This feature will allow the transmission of digital information over the DIS (and HLA) communications network using ASTi's virtual radios.

The following information applies to the latest generation of Telestra (Telestra 4), for legacy software please see the list after the break.

• Using TDL with Telestra
• Network Types and Data Flow
• Configuring the Data Bridge in Studio
• TDL Statistics in the Health System
• Debugging Common TDL Problems in Telestra

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Note: The following sections cover TDL with legacy software

Parts I through V deal with using TDL with the DACS Model Builder and Telestra 2 / DACS Support software. For information about using Tactical Data Link with Telestra 3 / MBV software, refer to Part VI.

DACS Model Builder & Telestra 2

Part I

• Equipment Required
• Tactical Data Link/Data Bridge Overview
• Manually Enabling the Data Bridge from the Model Builder Environment
• Enabling the Bridge in the Configuration File
• Configuring the Radio Object for Data Transmission
• Configuring the Radio Object for Data Reception
• Simulation Hint

Part II

• DIS Signal PDU Format

Part III

• Simulating Tactical Data Link for radios within the same DACS
  (applies to MB versions prior to MB 4.04b)
• Obtaining a Radio's Transmit or Receive Status
• Sending Radio Status to Host
• Summary

Part IV

• Sample Model Builder Tactical Data Link Screens

Part V

• Using Tactical Data Links via Telestra
• Overview of TDL in HLA
• Manually Enabling the Data Bridge from the Model Builder Environment
• Enabling the Bridge in the Configuration File
• Configuring TDL Network Settings in Telestra
• Configuring Telestra Federate for TDL
• Host Configuration
  • Signal PDU Format
  • Port Addressing Scheme

Telestra 3 & MBV

Part VI

• Using TDL with MBV
• Configuring the Data Bridge in the Telestra web interface
• Model Considerations