1. Joint Variable Message Format
System of Systems Risk Reduction for Network
Integration Evaluation 15.2
Paolo Prezioso
Mentored by Jennifer Zbozny and Michael Sukits
Introduction
Results
Results (continued)
The System of Systems Risk Reduction (SoSRR) is a process used by the United States Army to test and validate interoperability of communications systems and the applications. This study utilized this process to analyze system capabilities and understand limitations in preparation for the Army’s Network Integration Evaluation (NIE) The NIE is conducted biannually at Fort Bliss, Texas and White Sands Missile Range, NM, and provides an operational environment to test Army platforms, communications equipment, and sensors in battlefield scenarios to ensure functionality.
The Program Executive Office Command Control Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T) conducted the SoSRR prior to field testing so that issues could be identified and mitigated early, configurations have been optimized, and systems are interoperable. The PEO C3Ts main system under test at NIE 15.2 is the Mid-Tier Networking Vehicular Radio (MNVR) and a significant portion of the SoSRR was dedicated to preparing the system, which hosts with the Wideband Networking Waveform, to interface with the other C3T portfolio of systems, prior to the program’s Limited User Test at NIE 15.2 (Burge, 2014).
Format (VMF), User Datagram Protocol (UDP),
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP), and Internet Group Message Protocol (IGMP). During the period analyzed, no IGMP or C2 messages succeeded, so they are not displayed.
Joint Variable Message Format
Conclusion
Graph 1: Average MCR of JVMF for January 20 to February 6
The purpose of this study was to establish limitations of the various transports and applications used by the United States Army. The PEO C3T was able to use the results to create a list of restrictions and expectations of the functionality of the MNVR radio and the Mission Command applications it transports. Hundreds of thousands of data samples were collected to create accurate descriptions of the networks’ and radios’ performance.
Initially, the MNVR was unsuccessful in completing all test threads and the systems did not integrate as planned, but issues such as these were expected and mitigated appropriately. C2 messaging and MCR/SOS testing failed during the test period represented, but after system configurations, messages were sent successfully and completion rates were captured.
The results from this study will be used to shape test threads and execution at NIE 15.2 and aid in continued developmental efforts. In response to the integration issues identified during the test, PEO C3T decided to maintain an enduring lab architecture to gauge developmental efforts and conduct trade analyses of fixes.
Situational Awareness
Graph 2: Average MCR of Situational Awareness for January 20 to February 6
Packet Completion Rate by Protocol
Methods and Materials
Testing began by executing functional messaging between mission command applications in the test environment. After the team verified that messages flow between applications within the Tactical Systems Integration Facility at brigade and battalion levels, testing extended down to the Lower Tactical Internet. The team then planned to bridge the Upper Tactical Internet with the Lower Tactical Internet to ensure communications across the PEO C3T portfolio of systems. Lastly, stress testing of the networks radios, such as MNVR, and waveforms aided in understanding message latency and position-location-information (PLI) accuracy and timeliness.
To help stress the network, various simulation/stimulation tools were utilized to inject data, messages, PLI, and node movement.
Graph 3: Average PCR for January 20 to February 6
Speed of Service by Protocol
References
Burge, D. (2014, May 11). Fort Bliss hosts semi-annual Network Integration Evaluation to test latest Army equipment. El Paso Times. Retrieved from
Metz, W., & Sukits, M. (2014). PEO C3T SoSRR for NIE Test Plan. Test Plan reviewed at APG
Graph 4: Average SOS for January 20 to February 6
The SoSRR examined performance of C2 messaging, Joint Variable Message Format completion rate, Situational Awareness completion rate, and other messaging protocols. The messaging protocols tested include Variable Message
Approved for Public Release. Distribution is unlimited. May 2015