TOD Synchronization Protocol for Tactical Ad-Hoc Network Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tactical wireless ad-hoc networks face challenges in synchronizing Time-Of-Day (TOD) across radio nodes and merging isolated networks, especially when operating in GPS or Brigade Time Head (BTH) modes, leading to network fragmentation and inability to reconnect once disconnected.
Innovation Solution
A new TOD synchronization protocol that allows automatic detection and re-synchronization between GPS and BTH based networks, enabling plural BTH masters to form isolated networks and merge with other networks upon connectivity, using inter-node status information to control and facilitate the merge process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS based TOD synchronization is used, then network time accuracy is improved, but network adaptability deteriorates when GPS signals are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the TOD synchronization parameter from GPS-based synchronization to BTH-based synchronization when GPS signals are lost. This parameter change allows the network to maintain time synchronization adaptability across different operational conditions, transitioning from high-accuracy GPS mode to fallback BTH mode without network failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The TOD synchronization mode is made dynamic rather than static. The network can switch between GPS-based and BTH-based synchronization modes based on signal availability. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for accuracy when GPS is available while maintaining adaptability when GPS is lost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If BTH based TOD synchronization is used, then network adaptability is improved for GPS-denied environments, but network time accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares a BTH-based synchronization fallback mechanism in advance for GPS-denied environments. This cushioning approach ensures that when GPS signals are lost, the network can immediately switch to BTH mode without failure, maintaining operational adaptability while accepting reduced time accuracy as a necessary trade-off for continued operation.
3Device complexity
If conventional NTDR TOD protocol is used, then device complexity is reduced, but network functionality deteriorates by preventing network merging
Solution Approach 1:
The TOD protocol is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it not only synchronizes time within a single network but also enables discovery and merging of separate networks. By adding network identifier fields and merge detection capabilities to the existing protocol framework, the system gains network merging functionality without completely redesigning the protocol, thus balancing enhanced capability with controlled complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If network merging capability is added, then network adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol includes preliminary fields and mechanisms for network identification and merge detection that are prepared in advance. By embedding network ID fields and merge capability indicators in the basic message structure from the outset, the system enables network merging without requiring complex runtime decision-making or additional communication overhead, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for synchronizing time of day (TOD) information between radio nodes of a network and for detecting and merging otherwise isolated radio networks. In this manner individual isolated networks are able start when they are ready and once connectivity is detected with another network, the two networks can merge. Radio nodes within each network periodically send out TOD messages and periodically receive TOD messages issued by other nodes look to identify networks within communication range. Upon detecting another network a radio node informs a central control node that uses network detection information received from its members to determine the extent of the connectivity between the two networks and whether to merge the two networks. Network searching is optimized to limit impact on the overall network performance, resulting in little or no degradation in network performance.