Dual-Receiver TDMA Network Detection Across Split Time References
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Solution Overview
Problem
TDMA networks having different network time references that are not synchronized face challenges in detecting and characterizing each other, especially when they implement Transmission Security features like frequency hopping and pseudo-random noise, making intercommunication difficult.
Innovation Solution
A node in a first TDMA network equipped with a transmitter, first and second receivers, and a controller, capable of recognizing and characterizing a second TDMA network by listening for network characteristic messages and applying appropriate Transmission Security filters, even when no common time reference is available and time references are not synchronized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If TDMA networks operate with separate internal time bases when no common time reference is available, then network autonomy and operational independence are improved, but the ability to detect and intercommunicate between networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The node performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring for network characteristic messages from other TDMA networks using a second receiver, and by pre-configuring TRANSEC filters based on known network parameters. This allows the node to detect and characterize external networks before attempting communication, resolving the detectability issue without requiring synchronized time references.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary mechanisms including a second receiver dedicated to listening for network characteristic messages from external networks, and TRANSEC filters that act as intermediaries to securely identify and characterize other networks. These intermediaries enable detection and characterization without requiring direct synchronized communication.
2Reliability
If TDMA networks implement Transmission Security features like frequency hopping and pseudo-random noise, then security and protection against eavesdropping are improved, but the ability to detect and characterize other networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The node applies TRANSEC filters in advance to characterize messages from external networks before full communication begins. By pre-configuring filters based on known network parameters and continuously monitoring for characteristic messages, the system can securely identify and characterize other networks without compromising its own security.
Solution Approach 2:
TRANSEC filters serve as intermediary security mechanisms that allow the node to securely characterize external networks. These filters act as intermediaries between the node and external network messages, enabling detection and characterization while maintaining security through frequency hopping and pseudo-random noise.
3Stability of the object's composition
If network time references drift out of synchronization, then operational independence and resilience are improved, but intercommunication and detection between networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The node performs preliminary detection and characterization of external networks by monitoring for network characteristic messages before attempting synchronization or intercommunication. This allows the system to understand timing offsets and network parameters in advance, enabling subsequent synchronization or coordinated operation even when time references are not synchronized.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from detected network characteristic messages to characterize external networks and determine timing offsets. By continuously monitoring and comparing received messages with expected patterns, the node can feedback information about external network timing and parameters, enabling progressive synchronization or adapted communication protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A node of a first TDMA network, such as a link 16 network, uses a first receiver to participate in the first network, while using a second receiver to detect and report a second TDMA network, which is not synchronized with the first network, by listening for a characteristic message from the second TDMA network. The timing error between the networks can be estimated from the received message timing. Upon detection, the node can join the second network and/or request updated timing information from the second network. In embodiments where timeslot-specific TRANSEC filters are required, the node selects a TRANSEC filter for a timeslot that is further in the future than an estimated timing error bound. The first and second networks can implement the same network protocol and architecture, differing only due to the timing offset between their network timing references, as would be the case for a split network.