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Chapter 3

Area Communications Systems

3-1. Overview

The tactical ACUS is a network switching system that provides voice and data traffic interconnectivity for subscribers. EAC use the TRI-TAC systems; ECB use the MSE system. These systems link to provide a seamless area communications system across an entire theater of operations (see Figure 3-1). This chapter provides an overview of both systems.

Figure 3-1. Area communications systems.

3-2. Mobile Subscriber Equipment

Employment. The MSE system is the primary ACUS configuration for ECB. MSE forms a network that covers the area occupied by unit subscribers. For a division, the grid is made up of four to six centralized NCs which make up the hub or backbone of the network. Throughout the maneuver area, subscribers connect to SENs/LENs by radio or wire. These extension nodes serve as local call switching centers and provide access to the network by connecting to the NCs. See Figure 3-2.

NOTE: For the following radio configurations not all switches have super high frequency (SHF) radios. SHF radios are allocated on the basis of about one to every two switches.

Figure 3-2. Light division ACUS.

System Features. The MSE system is an area-switched communications system. The system provides communications for a notional five-division corps in an area of operations of up to 15,000 square miles (37,500 square kilometers). The system is digital, secure, highly flexible, and contains features that deal with link or functional element outages, traffic overload, and rapid movement of users. The MSE system provides both voice and data communications on an automatic, discrete addressed, fixed-directory basis using flood search routing. The system supports both mobile and wire subscribers in the five-division corps with a means to exchange command, control, communications, and intelligence information in a dynamic tactical environment.

The TPN is a packet switching network that is overlaid on the circuit switching network of MSE. Along with providing data communications with the corps structure, the TPN provides data interoperability with adjacent corps and EAC forces, NATO forces, and commercial networks.

Power Requirements. Diesel engine driven generators provide alternating current (AC) power to assemblages/ shelters. The two types of power units, as well as the shelter carrier alternator used in the MSE system are listed in Table 3-1 with their respective operating data. Vehicles equipped with the 200-ampere alternators provide direct current (DC) power as backup during site setup or generator start up, maintenance, or refueling. The shelter battery bank provides up to ten minutes of power between time of generator shutdown and vehicle engine (and 200 ampere alternator) start up. The figures in Table 3-2 reflect fuel consumption under full load conditions.

Table 3-1. Shelter power requirements.

Table 3-2. Fuel consumption.

Continue with Chapter 3
Table of Contents
Index