MSE TACTICAL PACKET NETWORK
General. The MSE TPN performs data distribution. The TPN uses a few MSE trunks exclusively for data distribution using the packet switch. Packet switching divides data transmissions into small "packets" and routes them along the most efficient path to their destination. The receiving packet switch reassembles the data and sends it to its destination computer. The result is an efficient method of data distribution that has almost no effect on voice traffic.
Implementation. The TPN is implemented with AN/ TYC-20 packet switches in the NC, LEN, SEN, and SCC-2 switch assemblages. (See Figure 3-22.) In the SCC-2's packet network management center (PNMC), the system planner manages the network. AN/TYC-19 gateways at NC switches provide connectivity between other data networks, such as the EAC TPN. Data is transferred at 64 kbps for NC to NC and NC to LEN connections and at 16 kbps for NC to SEN and LEN to SEN connections.
User Access. Users who wish to gain access to the TPN must have the following--
Physical Interface. The signal entry panels on the SEN and LEN switches have connectors for RG-58 Ethernet ThinLan coaxial cable. LANs inside the CP are connected to this cable. There are two connectors on a SEN switch, four on a LEN switch, and one on an NC switch.
Figure 3-22. The TPN system.
The length of the coaxial cable cannot exceed 185 meters (600 feet). In addition, host computers with X.25 conditioned diphase compatibility connect to a J-1077 using WF-16 field wire. The J-1077 connects to the packet switch. The SEN has the capability to support 58 LAN subscribers. See Figure 3-23.
Figure 3-23. TPN host connectivity at a SEN.
Protocol and Software. In addition to being physically connected to the TPN, the user's computer system (or host) must be able to interface with the TPN. To do this, the system must support DOD standard protocols for functions like mail and file transfer. These are the same protocols used by the defense data network (DDN). The software should support a tactical name server (TNS). This is necessary due to the high mobility of computers in the tactical arena. Once a host sets up at a new location, it must "affiliate" much like the MSE voice users do. The TNSs, found at NCs, keep track of each host's location in the area network.
Addresses. Every mobile host is assigned a unique, deducible name. For example, the G3, 1st Cavalry Division, III Corps using one MCS host would have the following address:
G3-1CAVM1-G3-1CAV.3C.ARMY.MIL*
* A standard Internet Protocol (IP) naming scheme has not been approved as of March 1995.
Continue with Chapter 3
Table of Contents
Index
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