Chapter 1: Tactical Wireless Networks

Introduction

The term ”Tactical Wireless Networks” has been introduced in \citep{Pawgasame_2015} as a military radio communication network supporting mission-critical applications. In the current stage of military wireless communication, The demands for data transmission over wireless channel have been increased, since various information such as troops’ position and sensor data is needed to be shared among military units to provide situational awareness in the area without network infrastructure. Due to the nature of the military operation, fast deployment of forces is required and units equipped with wireless communication devices are always moved. These mobile nodes build up the network in an ad-hoc manner and are expected to leave and join the network in a transparent way. Hence, the network is expected to be scalable. In addition, interoperable of heterogeneous wireless networks will be needed in the joint operation of different forces. The military operations are moving toward the concept of Network-Centric Warfare (NCW), in which a network is a source of crucial information for a mission. However,  Commercial-off-the-shelf sensor network systems cannot be exported to the NCW, as the tactical wireless network must be able to operate under a hostile environment. The factors that define a hostile environment include the high mobility nature of military force, interferences from the surrounding, and hostile attacks by enemies. \citep{Lee_2009}
Due to the nature of the military operations,tactical networks are deployed fastly without infrastructure.Network units are set statically by hand or randomly in remote area by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and artillery. This makes NCW is a highly orchestrated dynamic autonomous digital battlefield communications command/control and situational awareness network, enabling commander to see, decide and shoot the target in advance due to preoccupying the highly advanced situation awareness.