ENABLING TRANSFORMATION WITH TSAT

Lieutenant Colonel David Michael StroudUnited States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM)

Offutt Air Force Base, NE

ABSTRACT

The Transformational Satellite CommunicationsSystem (TSAT) is one component of the GlobalInformation Grid (GIG) that will enabletransformation to support the warfighting efforts forthe United States of America and its allies. Tosupport transformation, TSAT will be fully integratedwith the standards developedfor the GIG. This paperprovides an overview of the challenges andapproaches into this interoperable system ofsystems.

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Defense (DoD) is transforming to meetthe objectives of Joint Vision 2020 (JV2020). The focus ofJV2020 is on full spectrum dominance achieved throughthe interdependent application of dominant maneuver,precision engagement, focused logistics and full dimensionprotection. The goal of the transformation is the creation ofa joint force that is dominant in military operations -

persuasive in peace, decisive in war, and preeminent inany form of conflict.

andPhong Pham Tran

Science Applications International Corporation(SAIC)

San Diego, CA

The future joint force will operate in a complex anduncertain global security environment characterized byasymmetric threats with international organizations, nationstates, rogue states, and terrorist organizations allcontending within this environment. Agility permeates allaspects of tomorrow's joint force, providing connectivityto individual commanders across the echelons andfunctions of military organization through GlobalInformation Grid (GIG) networked infrastructure.

This paper presents an overview of the TransformationalSatellite Communications System (TSAT) on threeaspects: technology advancements impacting TSAT,TSAT operating as a node in the GIG, and integratedapproach to network management evolving from currentcircuit-based network to Internet Protocol (IP) network.TSAT is designed with innovative technologyadvancements to support spectrum dominance for thewarfighters of the future. TSAT will be integrated as anode within the GIG with its overarching force applicationcapabilities and associated attributes needed to meet futuremilitary challenges as depicted in Figure 1.

Figure 1 - TSAT Operational View

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Today's policies and procedures for allocating andapportioning military satellite communications(MILSATCOM) services will require evolution to anintegrated approach of incorporating the TSAT IPcapabilities within the overall GIG Network Operations(NetOps) construct. TSAT deployment and operationswill require these evolved changes by fiscal year 2013 toaccommodate the exploitation of TSAT's full capabilities.

TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENTS

TSAT advanced capabilities rely on the advancements oftechnology. Concurrently, there are challenges in applyingon-the-edge technologies. TSAT is an interoperable,survivable, endurable, and multi-mission platform tosupport increased wideband tactical, protected tactical,mobile on-the-move tactical, strategic, and relaycommunications connectivity to DoD and approved non-DoD users. TSAT incorporates laser communications andpacket routing/switching protocols to support bandwidthintensive environment capable of meeting Quality ofService (QoS) requirements associated with many criticalapplications.

TSAT design is based on a modular, open architecture thatwill facilitate the localization of system modificationsneeded to support future requirements, capabilities, andsystem growth while still supporting legacy components(see Figure 2). To facilitate the evolutionary offunctionalities, TSAT must incorporate an upgradeabledesign that will reduce the risk of having outdated orunsupportable software and hardware due to rapidadvances in technology.

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n lITSAT Inillc __Capabilitre AEHF Full Operationalm Caabilitynts TSAT Launches

Increasing System Capability with eachIncrement and TSAT launch

Figure 2. TSAT Spiral Development

TSAT is being designed as both an IP and circuit-basedcore network that can support a multitude of applications,those in use presently as well as future ones envisaged bythe DoD. TSAT will use IP data packets to facilitate real

time dynamically reconfigured satellite communications(SATCOM) to optimize warfighter support. Packetswitched communications technology allows for sharedservices to be multiplexed over single links. Since packetsmay be routed or switched on every hop, shared linkssupport "any to any" connectivity without requiringdedicated end-to-end connections. This packet technologyalso support a range of services, including the ability toprovide virtual circuit behavior to accommodate voice andvideo services while simultaneously allowing forbandwidth-efficient transport of data applications that aretypically very bursty, but less tightly delay-constrained.Packet network traffic tends to be asymmetric with smallamounts of data flowing from a large number of requestorsto a relatively small number of information providers.TSAT capitalizes on this technology flexibility,asymmetric flow, and the "bursty" nature of net-centrictraffic to provide increased service to a large number ofusers improving warfighter support. Advanced networkprotocols provide rich addressing capability and flexiblemeans of monitoring and managing traffic flow to ensurethat TSAT has the agility to provide information serviceanytime and anywhere with dynamic reconfiguration inreal time or near real time.

Advantages of packet-based IP over circuit-basedcommunications include the efficient usage of bandwidthwhen applications have highly variable rates of generatingtraffic, and no required needs to arrange explicit dedicatedend-end paths for each communication request. IPtechnology provides a field in the IP header, DiffServCode Point (DSCP), to classify traffic into several types,which get different QoS treatment, without necessarilyrequiring explicit signaling. Policing mechanisms can beused to ensure that traffic sources (users, client networksor peer networks) not having more traffic of a given typethan promised in the Service Level Agreement (SLA).Modern routers are equipped with sophisticated packetscheduling algorithms (e.g., weighted fair queuing) thatallow traffic classes to utilize more bandwidth than theirallocation, when that bandwidth is available, and to allowutilization of spare capacity in proportion to allocationswhen several classes are overloaded at once. Thesemechanisms, when properly configured, provide veryrobust, efficient networks that use all available bandwidth,guarantee QoS, and impose fairness among contendingsources.

The TSAT system is leveraged to utilize the commercialInternet Service Provider (ISP) model that is well definedand standardized with levels of "customization". Similarlyto the commercial customers, the warfighters can establishSLA to select service features including aspects such asbandwidth, packet performance, reliability, help deskservices and remedies upon failing to meet the SLA

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requirements. The SLAs represent the standard formeasuring the correct operation and management of theTSAT system. Centralized military planner or combatantcommand planner can specify a set of specifiedcommunications services grouped as a mission. TSATkeeps track of these warfighter requirements into missionplans in a common framework within the TSAT MissionOperating System (TMOS). To utilize resourcesefficiently, concepts from successful commercial ISPservice models can be borrowed replacing the currentapportioned and allocated resource techniques. TSAT canbe managed to promise only services that can be delivered,to deliver all services promised in normal circumstances,and to correctly prioritize and pre-empt services in criticalcircumstances.

Although the commercial concept of SLA is applicable toTSAT design, as the measure of how well TSAT isdelivering services within promised bounds (such aspacket loss, packet delay, etc), TSAT will need to tailorthe commercial ISP model to meet the militaryenvironment. TSAT has a finite number of satellites andmilitary demands that cannot be conveniently predictedyears in advance. TSAT network resources may becompletely allocated at a time when there is a need to plana major new mission. Another difference is the penaltywhen the system fails to meet an SLA. In the commercialworld, the remedy for SLA violation is normally a refundof fees. In the military, network communications failurehas a negative impact on mission success and fees are notthe concern. Thus, the choices on the communications tosupport when network resources become overwhelmed bytraffic is a military management decision, not one drivenby financial tradeoffs.

Policy Based Network Management (PBNM) or PolicyBased Management (PBM) is a method for automatingsystem management functions using a set of rules thatgovern the behavior of the system. It provides rules forTSAT QoS, network access, planning, management, andcontrol functions. Since PBM is a relatively new conceptand has not been deployed on the same scale as the GIG, itis a challenge to develop the rule sets used to controlTSAT to maintain a fully functional network. It isessential to establish rules to support network missionsupport on the global level, the regional combatantcommand theater specific, and the functional combatantcommander missions.

Currently, there is no universally accepted end-to-end QoSscheme in the commercial service provider sector. QoSschemes must be compatible across TransformationalCommunications (TC) interfaces. The schemes also mustbe measured and enforced over a variety of heterogeneoussub-networks under different administrative domains. The

DoD has sponsored a GIG end-to-end working group todevelop the interface QoS criteria for the GIG. These keyinterface profiles will provide the framework on TSATtransition from resource allocation/apportionment topolicy-based network. The key interface profiles and theuser's required QoS will enable information flow acrossTSAT.

OPERATING AS A NODE WITHIN THE GIG

The GIG is an adaptive entity that integrates systemcomponents including communications systems,computers, and information management resources, into anintelligent system-of-systems. Each component of theGIG exchanges information with other components,enabling the entire infrastructure to adapt to userrequirements and to support force structure(s) of arbitrarysize, or to incorporate new processing, network, andcommunications technologies.

The Transformational Communications Architecture(TCA) is an end-to-end architecture that will enable theGIG supporting the DoD communications infrastructure.The TCA in the GIG includes TSAT, other MILSATCOMsystems, and the commercial SATCOM systems.

The TSAT system is an element of the transformational"net-centric" space transport layer of the 2015 TCA (seeFigure 1). TSAT includes the satellites, gateways/groundentry points, operational management systems, and theinterfaces to its information enterprises. TSAT interfaceswith other DoD MILSATCOM and commercial SATCOMsystems through teleports to provide operational surge tothe users.

The TSAT system is planned to be the satellite networkingsystem of the future for the warfighters providing assuredand timely net-centric services across strategic, operationaland tactical boundaries in support of DoD full spectrumwar fighting, intelligence and day-to-day missions. TSATis a very high data rate (tens of Gbps) satellite-basedbackbone network with direct connection to terrestrialnetworks providing the capability to extend the GIG intoareas where the GIG terrestrial infrastructure is notavailable. TSAT will serve as the capability to facilitatecollaboration to achieve shared understanding and willprovide a more agile MILSATCOM able to responddynamically to warfighter requirements. TSAT cansupport joint Command and Control (C2) connecting theindividual commanders with improved speed and qualityfor enhanced Situational Awareness (SA) to make fasterand more effective decisions and an improved ability tosee their execution.

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The TSAT terminal segment consists of terminals ofdifferent sizes and capabilities, includingCommunications-on-the-Move (COTM) terminals,aircraft, ships, submarines, airborne intelligencesurveillance platforms, as well as, large ground fixed andtransportable terminals. Over the lifetime of the TSATsystem, legacy terminals will be either upgraded to fullTSAT capability or replaced with new terminals that aredesigned with TSAT XDR+, Ka, or lasercom capabilities.Without new and modified terminals, the warfighters andusers will not benefit from new capabilities of TSAT anddelay the transition period.

INTEGRATED APPROACH TO NETWORKMANAGEMENT

The TSAT TMOS is required to provide network andoperations management including the planning,monitoring, and control of TSAT payload, network, andterminal resources for TSAT packet-switched and circuit-switched communications. Effective operation andoversight of all TSAT resources requires an integratedapproach to network management.

TSAT management is performed at three levels as depictedin Figure 3. Level 1 is an oversight function provided by

TSATMission Operations

Level 1 - Oversight

Level 2 - Management

Level 3 - Execution

an organization comprised of stakeholders that controlasset and resource adjudication. Level 2 is themanagement function, supported by TSAT OperationsManagement Centers (TOMCs), defining andpromulgating system policy, PBNM; maintaining SA overTSAT system resources; and providing a CommonOperational Picture (COP) of TSAT system performance.Level 3 provides the execution level supported by TSATSystem and Network Management Centers (TSNCs) andTSAT Satellite Operations Centers (TSOCs).

Based upon the Joint Vision 2020 concept of a faster,lighter, more lethal fighting force, and requirements forthese forces to be deployed in theater quickly, the planningprocess will need to be an interactive one. In TSAT,TMOS planners and constituent network planners canperform interactive planning that allow them to buildacceptable SLAs and submit service requests in real-time;thus, ensuring deployable forces are well supported andequipped to execute their mission.

TMOS is designed to quickly and effectively control andmodify network capabilities and resources system widebased on sensed network conditions and planned orunplanned changes to end user requirements. TMOSsupports users with its enabled capabilities leveragingfrom technology advancements.

Adudication

___-- _

Figure 3. TSAT Mission Operations

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The provisioning process provides a capability to bringone or more network devices into service (activation).Depending on the utilization of the device as well as thecondition of the network, the device's configuration maybe modified to change the operational state to standby ordeactivate. In the TSAT environment, when a missionservice request is accepted, system resources are planned,an SLA is generated and mission activation occursthereafter. When basic connectivity between the terminaland TSAT is established, IP services are configured(provisioned) based on the terminal profile as documentedin the SLA.

When planning a mission that requires the use of TSAT,TSAT stakeholders generate a request for communicationresources. Upon receiving the request, TMOS performs avalidation check on the operational requirements andresource requirements to ensure that the request is feasibleand does not conflict with other requests in the TSATnetwork. The resource constraints of the current requestwill be modeled and simulated to detect network resourcecontention. If a conflict is found, an attempt is made to de-conflict the request with alternate option(s). The alternateoptions are attempts to provide network services thatmatch the original plan requirements as best as possible.Based on the priority of the request, the de-confliction mayresult in changes to, or preemption of, existing lowerpriority services. If the requirements of the request cannotbe fully met or if other services are impacted, the alternateoptions are fed back to the requestor for approval. Thecontacts for any impacted services are also notified andpresented with alternate options. When the request issuccessfully validated, TMOS issues SLA, networkpolicies, and configuration used to implement the requestwithin the network. The plan and its policies, and SLA aresaved and scheduled for activation. When the plan is to beactivated, the appropriate network resources are allocatedand provisioning is performed in the network.

PBM will be employed to automate and reduce themanpower required to manage the network. TSAT PBMenabled capability provides the means for the planners andoperators to translate commander's intent into "orders" forthe network. The PBM manages aspects of the TSATSystem include QoS, Information Assurance (IA),Network Management (NM), Multi Level Prioritizationand Preemption (MLPP), SLAs, and resource allocation.Within TSAT, two levels of policy are recognized:operational policy and policy rule sets.

The DoD will use PBM to establish "rules of engagement"that span the fundamental technical concepts needed forTSAT to execute and address the rules that supportnetwork at the global level and the combatant commands.

in a planning environment and then updated based on theneeds of the warfighter. PBM supports a collaborative C2environment and the ability of different levels of C2 toaffect the updating of the policy schemes and uses the SAprovided by the TSAT COP as well as the broader GIGSA/COP to enable that collaborative C2 environment.

PBM provides the following major benefits to TSAT:

1. Reduces the effort required to perform routine,repetitive functions

2. Provides more reliable, consistent response

3. Provides more timely reaction, particularly whenpolicy is implemented within the network

4. Aids in decision support

5. Allows for cohesive guidance across IA, NM, andplanning supporting mission needs.

Another enabling capability of TMOS is achieving sharedsituational awareness of TSAT. The TSAT structure willprovide situational awareness to combatant commands byintegrating various communications network planning andmanagement capabilities; control databases and tools; anddecision support and analysis tools/suites and processesinto a common operating environment. TMOS willintegrate TSAT and GIG access request and provisioningprocedures, spectrum monitoring, as well as terminal,network, interface, and payload monitoring control.TSAT will leverage, expand, and evolve from existingGIG and NM facilities and supporting sites. The TMOSSA/COP is based on the following premises:

1. The primary purposes of SA/COP is to enhanceknowledge of TSAT to improve the quality andtimeliness of network operations and to provideoperational commanders the capability todetermine operational mission impacts caused bynetwork degradations and outages, etc. in realtime.

2. The SA toolset will display system, network, andinformation resources, showing their operationalstatus

3. TMOS SA automated toolset will collect, analyzeand fuse data in near real-time to produce tailored(user defined) views of mission critical data. Itwill incorporate an automated function to performoperational mission impact assessment. Thisfunction synchronizes the operational mission withaccurate network or infostructure status andprovides operational commanders timely course ofaction development & analysis.

This PBM process will be flexible enough to be developed

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TSAT is required and designed to continue providingcommunications services to its users (terminals) when theground command and control elements of the system aredisabled or unavailable. While the desire to maintainservices during a prolonged absence of ground controldoes impose some additional requirements, it should benoted that the normal operation of TSAT is intended to belargely automated and distributed, so that centralizedground facilities and operators are not needed for much ofthe system operation. Thus, basic functions such asterminal log on, circuit or packet service (network)establishment, antenna control, and data transmissionthrough the system are intended to function"autonomously" as part of normal operations, withoutrequiring the involvement of centralized ground controlfacilities.

CONCLUSION

It is envisioned that U.S. commanders will be operating ina joint and multilateral environment as part ofjoint and/orcombined operations that encompass a multitude of unitsand organizations. The ability for all of these players tocollaborate with one another to achieve sharedunderstanding will be instrumental in the success or failureof these operations. The shared understanding is critical toobtaining enhanced situational awareness, improvedunderstanding of the operational environment, andsuperior comprehension for commander's decisionsaffecting the operating environment.

TSAT will enable U.S. forces and decision makers theability to conduct operations at a more rapid pace than canbe conducted currently. This quick respondingcommunications support will further allow our military toconduct the transformational operations envisioned by theservices and the joint warfighter.

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