TSim

The TSim application was developed for hierarchical network-based military waveform design within the TURAN project. Two main objectives were targeted with TSim:

TSim offers a variety of features:

• Simulation of the physical layer of the waveform.
• Simulation/emulation of the waveform’s network layers.
• Different algorithm/protocol options for each network layer.
• Support for multiple waveform configurations and simultaneous execution.
• Analysis of over 200 metrics related to the waveform.
• Monitoring all variables related to the waveform on each unit.
• Support for various topologies, units, mobility, and traffic models.
• Repeatability of tests.

This allows TSim to overcome many challenges encountered in field tests:

• The need for hardware readiness of the device for design validation.
• Acquisition of a sufficient number of devices.
• Updating software and configurations for each device in every trial.
• Assigning test personnel to each device.
• Recreating desired topologies with devices in field conditions.
• High time and labor costs for all these processes.

As the number of units increases, testing large-scale networks in the field becomes impractical. Therefore, TSim plays a significant role in the design of hierarchical network-based military waveforms.

TSim Ana Ekranı

Various topologies can be created, such as “Uniform,” “Clustered,” “Cargo Swarm,” and “Operation Base + UAV.” Mobility models include “Linear towards target,” “Patrol between target and current position,” “Circular tour,” and “Random.” Models can be assigned individually to each unit or collectively to a group.

Topology Models

Mobility Models

For each unit, radio types like “Ground Station,” “Manpack Radio,” “Handheld Radio,” “UAV,” etc., can be selected, and new radio types can be defined. Parameters such as unit locations, mobility models, data traffic configurations, power on/off models, and other settings can be customized.

Scenario and Unit Configuration

During waveform design, multiple algorithms can be developed for each layer, or the same algorithm can be tested with different parameter values. For each layer of the waveform, the desired algorithm can be selected from the designed algorithm pool. This allows defining different waveforms with various algorithm combinations.

TSim can run multiple such waveforms in parallel for the same network and scenario.

Waveform Configuration

To simulate user traffic and transmit it over the network, TSim’s internal data traffic module can be used, or external IP traffic can also be transmitted through TSim. In the case of external IP, IP packets are generated and captured at the kernel level, then transferred into TSim as if they were received from a user computer connected to the unit. Once the IP packet reaches the target unit within TSim, it is transferred back to the kernel level. All packets circulating and delivered in the network can be monitored through the “Packet Tracking Screen.”

Packet Tracking Screen

With TSim, over 400 metrics can be tracked, grouped under the following categories:

• Network
• Connectivity & Coverage
• Clustering
• Medium Access Control
• Routing & Membership
• User Packets
• Resource Management
• Modem / Physical Layer

Monitoring options include:

• All metrics can be reviewed and compared via the Metrics Monitoring Screen.
• Key real-time metrics (e.g., number of cluster heads) can be tracked on the Live Metrics Dashboard.

Metrics Monitoring Screen

Live Metrics Dashboard

Being able to reproduce a simulation exactly is critical for troubleshooting any errors that occur during the process. TSim provides options to export and import simulations, making it easy to run the same simulation identically on another computer. Random seed values and all configuration settings are stored in XML format, ensuring consistent results. This also allows users to save and re-run custom scenarios beyond error cases, enhancing the reliability of the simulation process.

Export/Import Simulation

Just like connecting a debugger to a radio in the field, TSim allows you to right-click on any unit in the network and inspect it. From the opened menu, you can monitor all variables related to the waveform, as well as other properties like speed and location that aren’t part of the waveform itself.

Details of Unit and Waveform 

In network-based waveforms, the connections between units are crucial. Additionally, the routing tables, cluster heads, and member lists created using these connections are critical for the proper functioning of the waveform. Special screens have been defined in the system to monitor these tables. Through these screens, users can both observe the tables and automatically analyze their accuracy.

Routing Tables

Each unit generates logs that provide information about the operation of the waveform running on it. These logs can be saved, reloaded, and reviewed. Each log entry includes various details such as the unit generating the log, waveform unit, timestamp, code line, log severity level, and more. The log screen allows for detailed filtering, searching, and customization based on user preferences.

Log Monitoring Screen

The rapid implementation and testing of different TDMA frames and configurations are done through a dedicated interface designed specifically for this purpose.

TDMA Frame Configuration