Standardization in SDR: Standardization in SDR:

The military model and its The military model and its applicability to the civil domainapplicability to the civil domain

Dr Michael StreetDr Michael StreetNATO C3 AgencyNATO C3 Agency

This presentation contains explanatory notes (in italics) This presentation contains explanatory notes (in italics) not included in the original workshop presentationnot included in the original workshop presentation

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NATO C3 AgencyNATO C3 Agency

The NATO Consultation Command and Control Agency (NC3A) provides The NATO Consultation Command and Control Agency (NC3A) provides unbiased scientific, technological and acquisition support in all areas of unbiased scientific, technological and acquisition support in all areas of consultation, command, and control for NATO. consultation, command, and control for NATO.

NC3A is a Centre of Excellence in Communications, Command, Control, NC3A is a Centre of Excellence in Communications, Command, Control, Computer, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Computer, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities within NATO. capabilities within NATO.

With a highly competent staff, extensive laboratories and close links with With a highly competent staff, extensive laboratories and close links with military users NC3A provides independent and impartial advice for military users NC3A provides independent and impartial advice for achieving operational enhancements in NATO’s C3 capability and achieving operational enhancements in NATO’s C3 capability and supports the provision and procurement of the most capable C4ISR supports the provision and procurement of the most capable C4ISR systems available and their operation in crisis and war.systems available and their operation in crisis and war.

www.www.nc3a.nc3a.nato.intnato.int

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IntroductionIntroduction

What do we mean by SDR ?What do we mean by SDR ? Common terminologyCommon terminology SDR = “Standards based’ software and radio hardware for SDRSDR = “Standards based’ software and radio hardware for SDR

Why do we care about SDR ?Why do we care about SDR ? SDR is about implementation, not interoperabilitySDR is about implementation, not interoperability

Do we need to standardise it ?Do we need to standardise it ?

Beyond standards – test, certification and business Beyond standards – test, certification and business modelsmodels

Comparison with the civil communityComparison with the civil community Commonality and differences between civil and military SDR communitiesCommonality and differences between civil and military SDR communities

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The military “wireless world”The military “wireless world”

The next slide gives an overview of the wireless communications The next slide gives an overview of the wireless communications required for NATO operations. This shows the areas addressed by required for NATO operations. This shows the areas addressed by the NATO wireless communication reference architectures. the NATO wireless communication reference architectures.

Military operations may require high throughputs, long ranges, Military operations may require high throughputs, long ranges, communication security, transmission security (e.g. anti-jam, low communication security, transmission security (e.g. anti-jam, low probability of detection / interception capabilities). probability of detection / interception capabilities).

Military radios must support different operational needs which can Military radios must support different operational needs which can only be met with different waveforms (transmission frequency, only be met with different waveforms (transmission frequency, modulation scheme, bandwidth, infrastructure e.g. trunked / modulation scheme, bandwidth, infrastructure e.g. trunked / satcom systems). Historically this has led to many different radio satcom systems). Historically this has led to many different radio standards, systems and radios. standards, systems and radios.

APOD – Airborne port of disembarkationAPOD – Airborne port of disembarkation BLOS – Beyond line of sight BLOS – Beyond line of sight (typically HF)(typically HF)

CJTFHQ – Combined joint task force headquartersCJTFHQ – Combined joint task force headquarters CNR – Combat Net Radio (tactical CNR – Combat Net Radio (tactical radio)radio)

DCM – Deployed communication [and information services] moduleDCM – Deployed communication [and information services] moduleELOS – Extended line of sight (typically V/UHF)ELOS – Extended line of sight (typically V/UHF) HF – High frequency (3-30 MHz) HF – High frequency (3-30 MHz) IEG – Information exchange gatewayIEG – Information exchange gateway LOS – Line of sightLOS – Line of sightMMTF – Multinational maritime task forceMMTF – Multinational maritime task force NDN – National defence network NDN – National defence network

(wired) (wired) NGCS – NATO wired networkNGCS – NATO wired network PAN – Personal area networkPAN – Personal area networkSPOD – Seaborne port of disembarkationSPOD – Seaborne port of disembarkation SSUBBCST – Subsurface broadcasSSUBBCST – Subsurface broadcasVLF – Very low frequencyVLF – Very low frequency WLAN – Wireless local area networkWLAN – Wireless local area network

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Military radio domain Military radio domain

CJTFHQ(afloat)

ASUWC

CJMCC / AAWC

HF-FIP

SATCOM-FIP

APOD

NATO HQ

NGCS

National HQ

NationalSATCOM

IEG

NDN

MMTF1-OTC / AAWC

ASWCAPOD

MMTF-n

Allied Wide-Area Network (ELOS/LOS)

MMTF-1

Allied Wide-Area Network (ELOS/LOS)

MMTF-n-OTC

AMPHWC

MWC

National SATCOM

SPOD

SPOD

VLF-SUBBCST

NATO-PIER

NATO-PIER

ALLIED WIDE-AREA NETWORK (HFBLOS)

CNR++

Tactical Area Network (ELOS/LOS)

NATOSATCOM

CNR++

Tactical Area Network (ELOS/LOS)

CJTFHQ - DCM

(Ashore)

WLAN / PAN

WLAN / PAN

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Proposed Wireless Net ready Proposed Wireless Net ready Communications Standards (non –SATCOM)Communications Standards (non –SATCOM)

STANAGSTANAG CURRENTCURRENT NEW NEW PROJECTSPROJECTS

2012/14 2012/14 NNEC NIINNEC NII

2020 NNEC 2020 NNEC NIINII

VLFVLF 50305030 50305030 50305030 50305030

HFHF 4203, 4285, 4203, 4285, 4415, 4444, 4415, 4444, 4481, 4529, 4481, 4529, 4538, 4539, 4538, 4539, 50665066

4203, 4415, 4203, 4415, 4444, 4481, 4444, 4481, 4529, 4538, 4529, 4538, 4539, 50664539, 5066

4203, 4415, 4203, 4415, 4444, 4538, 4444, 4538, 4539, 50664539, 5066

4203, 4444, 4203, 4444, 4538, 4539, 4538, 4539, 50665066

VHFVHF 4204, 4292, 4204, 4292, 4448, 44494448, 4449

4204, 4292, 4204, 4292, 4448, 4449, 4448, 4449, NBWNBW

4204, 4292, 4204, 4292, NBWNBW

4204, NBW4204, NBW

UHFUHF 4205, 4246, 4205, 4246, 4372 4372

4205, 4372, 4205, 4372, NBW, WBWNBW, WBW

4205, 4372, 4205, 4372, NBW, WBWNBW, WBW

4205, 4372, 4205, 4372, NBW, WBWNBW, WBW

Plus Civil-Military cooperation (CIMIC) services : TETRA, GSM

This slide shows the terrestrial radio standards identified by NATO as being necessary for the future NATO Network Enabled Capability (NNEC). The number of standards decreases to simplify interoperability. But there is still a need to support many radio standards depending on the operational requirements.

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SDR in NATOSDR in NATO

Military requirements dictate many different radio Military requirements dictate many different radio systems – many standardssystems – many standards JTRS initially identified 40+ current standardsJTRS initially identified 40+ current standards

JTRS = US Joint Tactical Radio System programmeJTRS = US Joint Tactical Radio System programme

National requirementsNational requirements FlexibilityFlexibility InteroperabilityInteroperability EconomicsEconomics

Larger supplier base, larger markets, lower costsLarger supplier base, larger markets, lower costs

NATO SDR Users Group (SDRUG)NATO SDR Users Group (SDRUG) Provides a focus in NATO for Provides a focus in NATO for National SDR programmes National SDR programmes in the in the

following nationsfollowing nations AU, CA, ES, FI, FR, GE, IT, PL, TU, SP, SW, UK, USAU, CA, ES, FI, FR, GE, IT, PL, TU, SP, SW, UK, US

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Software Defined RadioSoftware Defined Radio

SDR SDR [a radio using software] [a radio using software] is not new is not new S/w definition provides flexibilityS/w definition provides flexibility Increases lifetime of radiosIncreases lifetime of radios Aids platform fittingAids platform fitting

Especially on aircraftEspecially on aircraft Eases introduction of new techniques Eases introduction of new techniques

and policiesand policies Frequency management, networkingFrequency management, networking

Portable software to define radios Portable software to define radios Requires standards for s/w design & radio h/wRequires standards for s/w design & radio h/w Portability can enable interoperabilityPortability can enable interoperability Your software + my radio = we interoperateYour software + my radio = we interoperate

Portability requires stringent standards on implementationPortability requires stringent standards on implementation

User interface for military SDR implementing Mil-Std 188-141A for HF radio, circa 1992

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Interoperability and PortabilityInteroperability and Portability

Interoperability requires air interface standardsInteroperability requires air interface standards NATO has many air interface standards e.g. number on slide 6NATO has many air interface standards e.g. number on slide 6 Further modern radio standards are in development e.g. NBW, WBW Further modern radio standards are in development e.g. NBW, WBW

(narrowband / wideband waveform)(narrowband / wideband waveform)

Portability requires implementation standardsPortability requires implementation standards Implementation standards can aid proliferation of air Implementation standards can aid proliferation of air

interface standards and therefore increase interface standards and therefore increase interoperabilityinteroperability

NATO nations are following a standard for SDR NATO nations are following a standard for SDR portabilityportability This standard is the software communications architecture (SCA), a This standard is the software communications architecture (SCA), a

block diagram is shown on the next slide. block diagram is shown on the next slide.

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Software Communications Architecture Software Communications Architecture (SCA)(SCA)

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Software Communications Software Communications ArchitectureArchitecture

SCA is a standard for implementing SDRSCA is a standard for implementing SDR Developed by US DoD as the standard for the JTRS programmeDeveloped by US DoD as the standard for the JTRS programme Now followed by many national military SDR programmesNow followed by many national military SDR programmes

SCA is rich, robust, capable SCA is rich, robust, capable and secureand secure It can support the wide range of radio capabilities needed by military radiosIt can support the wide range of radio capabilities needed by military radios This can mean it is too large, complex and slow for Non-military usesThis can mean it is too large, complex and slow for Non-military uses

SCA has well-defined interfaces, APIs etc SCA has well-defined interfaces, APIs etc Although not all of them can be released or sharedAlthough not all of them can be released or shared

SCA compliant software can be ported to SCA compliant SCA compliant software can be ported to SCA compliant hardware “easily”hardware “easily” 70 % software reuse70 % software reuse Depending on the type of radios, complexity of waveform, Depending on the type of radios, complexity of waveform,

sophistication of codesophistication of code

SCA compliant radios and waveforms are already fieldedSCA compliant radios and waveforms are already fielded Including an SCA software implementation of TETRA !Including an SCA software implementation of TETRA !

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… … but … some SCA issues remain but … some SCA issues remain

Ownership of SCAOwnership of SCA Long term custodian of SCA not certainLong term custodian of SCA not certain

There may be benefits in a long term custodian which is international There may be benefits in a long term custodian which is international & has a proven record in standards development. & has a proven record in standards development.

The current custodian will determine the long-term future.The current custodian will determine the long-term future.

APIs and securityAPIs and security Release of full standards and on-going standardisation of additional APIsRelease of full standards and on-going standardisation of additional APIs

Test & verificationTest & verification Of h/w, original s/w and ported s/w Of h/w, original s/w and ported s/w Requirement for test and certification as identified by EDARequirement for test and certification as identified by EDA

With an agreed standard, software can be shared, With an agreed standard, software can be shared, waveforms ported and interoperability increased waveforms ported and interoperability increased

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Sharing SDR softwareSharing SDR software

Standardised SCAStandardised SCA The SCA standards aids development of portable softwareThe SCA standards aids development of portable software This is aThis is a basis for development, not “plug and play” basis for development, not “plug and play”

But our users aren’t “plug and play” eitherBut our users aren’t “plug and play” either Usually know months or years in advance who you will need to Usually know months or years in advance who you will need to

communicate / interoperate with – there may be time to port s/wcommunicate / interoperate with – there may be time to port s/w

AI standards which meet user requirementsAI standards which meet user requirements How can these be best proliferated ?How can these be best proliferated ? Are standardised SCA compliant software definitions the best way to Are standardised SCA compliant software definitions the best way to

proliferate use of air interface standards ?proliferate use of air interface standards ?

IPRIPR Pros and consPros and cons Recognise useful effort e.g. s/w development, has valueRecognise useful effort e.g. s/w development, has value

Software waveform library Software waveform library has been discussed by NATO SDRUGhas been discussed by NATO SDRUG Model of operation – Model of operation – business modelbusiness model Type of content – Base waveformsType of content – Base waveforms

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Use of base waveformsUse of base waveforms

The next slide shows the role of a base waveform.The next slide shows the role of a base waveform.

A base waveform is software which implements the complete functionality of a A base waveform is software which implements the complete functionality of a given radio standard. The software is written entirely in a high level language to given radio standard. The software is written entirely in a high level language to run on a general purpose processor.run on a general purpose processor.

Base waveform software does not have to run in real time.Base waveform software does not have to run in real time.

The base waveform provides an intermediate step between the text standard The base waveform provides an intermediate step between the text standard document and the eventual optimised code which will run on a given target document and the eventual optimised code which will run on a given target radio.radio.

Base waveform software is easy to port, but of no operational use.Base waveform software is easy to port, but of no operational use.

If implementing a given standard on mulitple radio platforms a base waveform If implementing a given standard on mulitple radio platforms a base waveform may significantly reduce the overall development effort. This may aid may significantly reduce the overall development effort. This may aid implementation of standards on a wide variety of target radios and in a number implementation of standards on a wide variety of target radios and in a number of nations.of nations.

The following slide gives an example of 3 nations wishing to use the same NATO The following slide gives an example of 3 nations wishing to use the same NATO standard (S4999) and civil standard (EN 399) on different target radios. Each standard (S4999) and civil standard (EN 399) on different target radios. Each combination of target radio / standard will require dome development effort, but combination of target radio / standard will require dome development effort, but the overall effort is reduced. the overall effort is reduced.

While there may be benefit in using base waveforms as an intermedaite step, While there may be benefit in using base waveforms as an intermedaite step, who provides and maintains a base waveform is unclear.who provides and maintains a base waveform is unclear.

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Multinational testingMultinational testing

US have a national test facility = JTeL + JITCUS have a national test facility = JTeL + JITC

JTeL ensures SCA complianceJTeL ensures SCA compliance Tested against reference SCA implementationsTested against reference SCA implementations Certification involves porting software to a “reference set”Certification involves porting software to a “reference set”

Software port can be highly automated, but not completely.Software port can be highly automated, but not completely. Testing of SCA comliance is complemented by interoperability tests Testing of SCA comliance is complemented by interoperability tests

against other radios. Both the implementation and overall against other radios. Both the implementation and overall performance are tested.performance are tested.

National developments will require national testingNational developments will require national testing Use a national facility for multi-national testing ?Use a national facility for multi-national testing ? A test and verification facility is a significant investment, multi-national A test and verification facility is a significant investment, multi-national

test facility shares cost. test facility shares cost. Military requirement is often for multi-national interoperability -> multi-Military requirement is often for multi-national interoperability -> multi-

national testingnational testing

Who is responsible to tests and failures ?Who is responsible to tests and failures ?

Standards-based products are determined by the testing, Standards-based products are determined by the testing, not by the standards documents !not by the standards documents !

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Multinational testingMultinational testing

Multiple test laboratoriesMultiple test laboratories National developments will require national testingNational developments will require national testing Use a national facility for multi-national testing ?Use a national facility for multi-national testing ? Multiple labs -> cross-certificationMultiple labs -> cross-certification

Single labSingle lab Neutrality, single referenceNeutrality, single reference

Governence of any multi-national test facility Governence of any multi-national test facility must be agreed in advance. must be agreed in advance.

What is the scope of required SDR testing ?What is the scope of required SDR testing ? Interoperability / complianceInteroperability / compliance Representative tests vs range of scenariosRepresentative tests vs range of scenarios

“Multi-national testing” at NC3A

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SDR in and beyond NATOSDR in and beyond NATO

SDR ForumSDR Forum SCA WG, Public safety SIG, Market trendsSCA WG, Public safety SIG, Market trends Address wider marketsAddress wider markets

OMG OMG Software Based Communications Software Based Communications

NATO Research & Technology OrganisationNATO Research & Technology Organisation Technical focus for national SDR activitiesTechnical focus for national SDR activities

NATO SDR Users GroupNATO SDR Users Group ““Electro-political”Electro-political”

To establish commitment among nations to exploit the benefits of SDR To establish commitment among nations to exploit the benefits of SDR technology for multinational interoperabilitytechnology for multinational interoperability

NATO links to ESSOR, LOI etcNATO links to ESSOR, LOI etc

NC3ANC3A Support NATO & Alliance on SDR Support NATO & Alliance on SDR Waveform porting, development & libraryWaveform porting, development & library

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Military and civil environmentsMilitary and civil environments

MilitaryMilitary CivilCivil

Customer baseCustomer base Limited, govtLimited, govt WidespreadWidespread

User requirements of User requirements of radioradio

VariedVaried Fairly staticFairly static

Equipment lifetimeEquipment lifetime 20 years20 years < 2 years< 2 years

Equipment costEquipment cost HighHigh LowLow

Development timeDevelopment time 2-10 years2-10 years MonthsMonths

SecuritySecurity Government Government approvedapproved

Maybe some ..Maybe some ..

Radio platforms Radio platforms VariedVaried LimitedLimited

TestingTesting National or Intl.National or Intl. CommercialCommercial

A comparison of factors influencing the military and civilian radio markets

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Summary - militarySummary - military

SDR is an implementation, standardising SDR is very complex, SDR is an implementation, standardising SDR is very complex, but can give the military real benefitsbut can give the military real benefits

SDR enables varied capability: SDR enables varied capability: reqs are variedreqs are varied NATO wireless architecture user reqs & operational viewsNATO wireless architecture user reqs & operational views

SCA exists as an accepted standardSCA exists as an accepted standard Developments still needed e.g. Interfaces and Developments still needed e.g. Interfaces and securitysecurity Long term, international management unknown Long term, international management unknown

NATO policy on use of civil standardsNATO policy on use of civil standards

S/w waveform library can aid interoperabilityS/w waveform library can aid interoperability Need agreed s/w format – based waveforms ?Need agreed s/w format – based waveforms ? Distribution model – industry only, govt supported ?Distribution model – industry only, govt supported ?

Interoperability defined by testing, not standardsInteroperability defined by testing, not standards

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Questions for civil SDRQuestions for civil SDR

What are the user requirements ?What are the user requirements ? Is SDR the optimum way to meet them ?Is SDR the optimum way to meet them ?

Will the stakeholders support widespread standards for radio Will the stakeholders support widespread standards for radio implementation / components ?implementation / components ? Currently have long term non-interoperability e.g. Inter-system-interfaceCurrently have long term non-interoperability e.g. Inter-system-interface Can end users influence the market sufficiently ?Can end users influence the market sufficiently ?

Is interoperability best provided by a single standard ?Is interoperability best provided by a single standard ? GSM, TETRA GSM, TETRA

Who tests a reconfigured radio ?Who tests a reconfigured radio ? Who is responsible if it fails ?Who is responsible if it fails ?

Is civil SDR / CR about technology, interoperability or user needs?Is civil SDR / CR about technology, interoperability or user needs? Betamax, CDi, Sinclair C5 …Betamax, CDi, Sinclair C5 …

Will CR benefit users or make spectrum management easier ?Will CR benefit users or make spectrum management easier ?

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Thank you Thank you

Michael.Street@nc3a.nato.intMichael.Street@nc3a.nato.int

+31 65 142 1275+31 65 142 1275

Further reading:Further reading:NATO Waveform library business modelNATO Waveform library business modelUser requirements for wireless communications in the land tactical domainUser requirements for wireless communications in the land tactical domainAnalysis of “network ready” standards for network enabled capabilityAnalysis of “network ready” standards for network enabled capabilityRTO Lecture series on Emerging Wireless Technologies, 2007RTO Lecture series on Emerging Wireless Technologies, 2007