1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The ComCept Division, L-3 Communications Corporation (ComCept) has engaged the
University of Colorado (CU) to design, install and operate a wireless communications
test bed and to integrate and operate Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPV), which will
interact with it. This is a proposal for the third phase of this project, which includes
incorporating additional functionalities to the test bed and final execution of all tests in
accordance with the designs from earlier phases on the test bed and equipment deployed
in Phase 2. This proposal is being submitted to ComCept by the Interdisciplinary
Telecommunications Program and the Aerospace Engineering Department within the
College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
2.0 COMCEPT OVERVIEW AND OJECTIVES
The following specifies the overview and objectives of the proposed project and gives the
reader a general idea of the proposed efforts and activities that constitute the project. It
also stresses the importance of this program.
2.1 Overview
Effective communications among and between the airborne and terrestrial assets are
essential. The demand for more bandwidth is predictably growing with each new
generation of aircraft. This evolving situation mandates that commercial communications
standards be incorporated and used wherever possible. More emphasis is being placed on
space, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), terrestrial mobile, terrestrial fixed, and optionally
piloted vehicle (OPV) assets to support these evolving communication demands.
2.2 Project Objective
The objective of this communications test-bed element is to provide a suite of nextgeneration terrestrially and aircraft wireless communication experiments that will support
the ComCept effort. These unique airborne and terrestrial assets will form an IP-centric
network. Therefore, this project will focus on the use of innovative aerial vehicles and
IEEE 802 wireless protocol suites and possible companion technologies represented by
next-generation terrestrial cellular radio systems. These experiments will demonstrate
the potential for the rapid deployment of an IP-centric, broadband network that will
support both airborne and terrestrial military campaigns anywhere, anytime.
2.2
Project Scope
The University shall provide management, engineering, operational and subject matter
expertise to ComCept in accomplishing the specific tasks described in this document.
The University shall support ComCept by designing an IEEE 802.11b based ad hoc
networking wireless communications test bed to support ground and airborne
communications experiments.
At a minimum, University participation in these experiments will include:
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Establishment and operation of a series of linked 802.11b sites that can be
operated in various modes to support surface and airborne evaluation of
802.11b communications applications
Integration and employment of two or three airborne UAVs to evaluate
control of vehicles, use of vehicles as a bridging function between two sites,
and retrieval of information from the vehicle via 802.11b communications.
Employment of nodes mounted on one or more stationary or moving
terrestrial vehicles and one or more dismounted individuals to evaluate
connections with vehicle and hand held 802.11b operations in a variety of
settings and geometries
Test-bed monitoring and data collection with remote access capability.
This Phase 3 will build on the test bed developed and deployed in Phase 2 which in turn
is based on initial design assessments from Phase 1. It will include a series of designs and
operational tests in preparation for a final test bed demonstration.
3.0 PROJECT OVERVIEW
This project will deploy a set of small terrestrially based communication sites. These sites
will be over-flown by a flight of one or more UAVs. In addition, the sites will support
interconnection with terrestrial vehicles or personnel. All will be fitted with various
experimental communication and network alternative payloads. The fundamental
underpinning of these network components will be based on the IP-centric IEEE 802
wireless COTS standards and supporting software and hardware. Therefore, each active
node of this network will represent an ad hoc member of the network. These nodes may
be turned on and off or be added to or disengage themselves from the network at will as
long as they are within the footprint of any other wireless network component. All
communications will be two-way and will have broadband access via a designated
Internet gateway. Terrestrial activity will accommodate moving and stationary vehiclemounted and hand-held equipment.
This project will employ a set of UAVs built by the Aerospace Engineering Department
at CU. Compared to existing UAVs, these aerial vehicles will provide a wider range of
flight profiles, be better matched to the lighter anticipated communication payloads, be
more cost effective, provide risk mitigation, and demonstrate a new dimension of
creativity.
This project will start with a set of modest and achievable communication test bed
experiments to demonstrate the application of the IEEE 802.11b wireless protocols for
this type of application. This approach will provide meaningful data to raise the level of
confidence that such a capability is achievable. This will establish the prerequisites for
further and expanded tests and demonstrations that will culminate in the final series of
experiments in summer 2004.
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Though committed to 802.11b for this project, alternative communication technologies
will be assessed during this project for possible deployment in future projects. These
technologies may include other IEEE 802 communication technologies: 802.11a,
802.11g, 802.16a, and 802.16e. It may also include WAN technologies such as GSM and
CDMA cellular network or PAN technologies such as Bluetooth and UWB.
4.0 CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
An ad hoc radio network is a collection of radio nodes that automatically form a
communication network. When source and destination nodes can not reach each other
directly, intermediate nodes can cooperate to relay packets along multi-hop routes from
the source to the destination. This routing is automatic and reacts in real time to node
mobility and nodes that join or leave the network.
The ultimate goal in this project is to demonstrate that an ad hoc network of radio nodes
carried by aerial vehicles, fixed stations, terrestrial vehicles, and personnel:
1) Provides connectivity and communication services to terrestrial users. In this
scenario, the aerial vehicles are optional and support connectivity among the
terrestrial end users.
2) Provide connectivity and communication services to aerial vehicles. In this
scenario, a forward aerial vehicle communicates with a command center back
through the ad hoc network.
These capabilities are not mutually exclusive and a sub-goal of the project is to use a
single radio design for both scenarios. We consider this most cost-effective as it
minimizes hardware development to a single platform. More importantly, it provides the
greatest operational flexibility. The ad hoc radios are based on COTS 802.11b peripheral
cards and therefore small, low cost, and lightweight. Such radios can support UAV
missions. It is expected that small UAVs will provide rapidly-deployed low-cost
connectivity in support of capability (1) above. It is also expected that with capability (2)
above, the communication range and operational envelope of small UAVs can be
extended. For these reasons, this project focuses on developing a test range to
demonstrate the above capabilities in conjunction with UAVs.
The test range will consist of an area several miles on a side within which various fixed
and mobile terrestrial radios will be deployed and over which aircraft will fly. The actual
test bed dimensions will depend on such variables as the operational goals of test
planning, funding, terrain and range restrictions, site access, range safety, RF power
restrictions, RF frequency restrictions, and terrestrial node configurations such as tower
height, environmental issues, and so on.
The number of nodes will consist of at least three terrestrial vehicle nodes, three fixed
nodes, and three aerial nodes in order to test the multihop ad hoc network performance in
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the different regimes. A monitoring server will have real time access to the location,
state, and performance for each radio node.
Experiments will provide answers to specific networking questions, including:
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What is the impact of the network on end-to-end throughput and latency?
What network availability can nodes expect as a function of operational scenario?
How fast can a UAV be deployed to establish network connectivity for separated
nodes?
What is the feasibility of mixed airborne, land mobile, and land fixed participants
in such a network?
These experiments will define the ultimate performance that can be expected in such
networks. Like previous work, CU was provided with aircraft, pilots, technicians, and test
equipment where and when it was needed and requested.
5.0 TECHNICAL DISCUSSIONS AND DETAILED ACTIVITIES
The University shall design and document an 802.11b ad hoc network test bed to
demonstrate the capabilities described in Section 4. Design documentation will include:
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A diagram and description of the equipment at each communications test-bed site.
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An annotated layout of the geographic deployment sites.
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A diagram of the connections between test range radio nodes and a terminating
point suitable for connection to a server and onward connection via the internet to
a designated remote subscriber.
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A design package for a selected UAV that describes operational employment of
the UAV to include preflight checkout, launch, in-flight operation and recovery.
The design shall accommodate teardown and relocation of the test-bed. The design
documentation shall include a brief description of the required procedure and an estimate
of the time required to accomplish teardown and packing and unpack and relocated setup. The design documentation shall include provisions to interface communications testbed traffic to Colorado University facilities, as appropriate, and onward to a remote
access subscriber. The address for remote access node shall be provided at a later date.
Appropriate security procedures shall be implemented (logon, password, and encryption).
5.1 Current Project State
Phase I of this project began in summer 2003. A formal kickoff meeting was held
September, 2003. Phase I has been completed and Phase 2 is in progress. Sponsor TIM
meetings were held in December 2003, and January 2004. Specific accomplishments so
far include:
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1) A WiFi Test Bed Design & Interface Specification has been completed based on
earlier analysis and testing. This document provides design, interface, and
equipment detail for a special test bed used to evaluate a WiFi-based (802.11b)
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) made up of terrestrial and airborne nodes,
with broadband connectivity back to a Network Operations Center (NOC). In
addition, documentation associated with federal, state, and local approvals
required to operate the test bed is provided.
2) A WiFi Test Bed Experimentation Plan has been completed based on TIMs with
sponsor based on earlier analysis and testing. This document provides
experimentation plan details associated with a WiFi-based (802.11b) Wireless
Local Area Network (WLAN) test.
3) A test bed site has been selected, the Table Mountain National Radio Quiet Zone,
near Boulder, CO. The site is 3km by 4km and has networking and power
facilities that support the experiments. Approvals have been obtained for use
during Phase 2. Some preliminary testing has taken place at the site.
4) A mesh network radio (MNR) communication platform has been designed. 11
MNR have been built, 7 of which are packaged in an environmental enclosure
suitable for outdoor deployment; and 4 of which are ready to be mounted in a
UAV.
5) The UAV has been designed and one UAV has been built based on the design.
The UAV has a design speed, endurance, and payload of 100kmph, 4 hours, and
5kg.
6) Mesh network protocols have been written, ported to the MNR, and tested.
7) Basic monitoring functionality has been implemented. The MNR can be tracked
and data captured in real time.
8) Alternative communication technologies including 802.16 and GSM cellular have
been assessed.
Phase 2 will continue concurrently with Phase 3 through September 30, 2004. Phase 3
will continue to 7 months ARO estimated to be in November 2004. Different elements of
Phase 3 testing will start asynchronously as they become available through Phase 2
development.
5.3 Specific Phase 3 Tasks
Phase 3 will start on or about May 1, 2004 and continue through November 30, 2004.
The goal of this phase is to use the test bed developed in Phase 2 to complete the full set
of tests identified in Phase 1 plus additional testing identified by the sponsor. In Phase 3
we will work in six areas:
1) The University shall issue a Deployment and Test Plan that provides project plan
detail associated with completing all tasks within time and budget constraints.
2) The University shall release updates of the following documents that were
generated in Phases 1 and 2 of the project: WiFi Test Bed Experimentation Plan
and WiFi Test Bed Design & Interface Specification.
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3) The University will seek and obtain a Memorandum of Agreement for
Cooperative Research that establishes the right to operate the wireless test bed at
the Table Mountain field site through the duration of Phase 3.
4) The University shall perform all demonstration and test experiments on the WiFi
test-bed as specified in the WiFi Test Bed Experimentation Plan. Any
experiments and/or demonstrations from Phase 2 that need to be refined or
repeated shall be performed. All demonstrations and tests not completed during
Phase 2 shall be completed in Phase 3.
5) The University shall support and cooperate with Sierra Nevada Corporation
(SNC) by performing operational tests at the Table Mountain test site during their
fly-over missions, presently scheduled for June, 2004. SNC will conduct at least
two test flights to measure various signal strength and geometries. The University
shall operate the test-bed so that the SNC aircraft can complete its data collection
in a receive-only mode. Scheduling of test bed operations and maintaining log
reports on all active nodes during fly-over times is required.
6) The University shall integrate, operate, and maintain an Iridium radio system
(with appropriate service contract being put in place if necessary) to provide a
wireless backhaul connection to the internet. The Iridium radio system will be
government furnished equipment provided through ComCept. It shall then
experiment with monitoring network operations and maintaining connectivity via
this link.
Contractually and administratively the Phase 3 efforts will support the following
deliverables to the sponsor:
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Deployment and Test Plan – 30 days ARO
Update to WiFi Test Bed Experimentation Plan - 2 Months ARO
Update to WiFi Test Bed Design & Interface Specification - 3 Months ARO
Update to Memorandum of Agreement for Cooperative Research - 4 Months ARO
Proposal for recommended further testing - 4 Months ARO
WiFi Test-bed Experiment Final Report - 7 Months ARO
Monthly Expenditure and Progress Report - Monthly (1st submission 30 days ARO;
subsequent inputs NLT 7 business days after close-out of the prior business month)
Host technical interchange meetings (TIM) as directed by the sponsor.
A table is provided below with an outline of activities in Phase 3 in relation to Phase2.
This is provided to clarify the type and level of effort. All timing is estimated and
contingent on funding starting on or before May 1.
Week
Phase 2
Phase 3
April 2
9 Test bed exercise: flight operations
16 Test Bed Deployed
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23
30
May 7
14
21
28
June 4
11
18
25
July 2
9
16
23
30
August 6
13
20
27
September 3
10
17
24
October 1
8
15
22
29
November 5
12
19
Exercise report
Exercise scripts tested in lab
Nominal Start: May 1
Test bed exercise: scripts
Plane 2 completed, flight tested
Exercise report
Waypoint navigation tested
Multi-tier ad hoc routing
VoIP functionality
Test bed exercise: mobile nodes
Test bed experimentation report
Exercise report
Real time remote monitoring
SNC flight integration plan
Iridium integration plan
Deployment and test plan
Test bed exercise: SNC flyover
Updated experimentation plan
Exercise report
Lab based checkout of all tests
Iridium equipment acquired
Further research+testing proposal
Updated design specification
Updated cooperative agreement
Test bed exercise: all experiments
Test bed exercise: all experiments
Iridium testing in lab
Exercise report
Test bed exercise: Iridium
Exercise report
Final remote monitor interface
Final updated documents
Final Report
By the end of Phase 3, we will have the ability to rapidly deploy a communication
infrastructure using airborne and terrestrial nodes. A NOC framework for remote
monitoring, access, and control will be in place.
5.5 Programmatic Issues
The project team will provide for the purpose of these experiments the:
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Research documentation such as project and thesis reports.
University laboratory facilities.
Local ground and flight test range.
Integrated ground equipment.
Operational support for flying the UAVs.
Test and collection software.
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Operational support for the network and NOC.
Portions of the items above will be contracted rather than provided by the CU. The
program team will either install or contract for the installation of part or all of the ground
systems and AP-to-NOC data link. The project team will contract for general aviation
aircraft and/or pilots as needed to support testing and development.
ComCept furnished equipment and support will include:
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Testbed and hardware equipment where appropriate.
Appropriate reference documentation.
Operational support for test bed rehearsals.
BFE Items Previously Provided to University (Inventoried as of March 3rd, 2004):
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35 Orinoco 802.11b Gold PC Cards
35 External Adaptor Cables
14 Avaya Wireless LAN Outdoor Routers
7 IBM Netvista M42 Desktop Computers
6 Linksys Ethernet Switches
5 IBM Thinkpad Laptop Computers
5 Wavelan Ethernet Converters
1 Set Agilent E6474 Wireless Network Optimization Software and Cables
1 Redhat LINUX 8.0
2 Sharp Zaurus Linux PDAs with Camera Attachments
1 Berkeley Varitronics Yellowjacket 802.11 Analyzer and Software
2 Dell Inspiron Portable Computers with Power Adapters
7 Fidelity Comtech 802.11 Ground Radio Units
4 Fidelity Comtech 802.11 UAV Radio Units
6.0 PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT
6.1 The University of Colorado at Boulder
Faculty, staff, and students from the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the
University of Colorado at Boulder will contribute to and manage this program.
6.1.1 University Project Team
The Principal Investigator (PI) for this effort will be Professor Timothy (Tim) X Brown.
He is a full-time faculty with a joint appointment between the Electrical and Computer
Engineering Department (ECE) and the Interdisciplinary Telecommunications Program
(ITP) and specializes in wireless IP-centric communications. The Co-PI will be
Professor Brian M. Argrow. Prof. Argrow is a full-time faculty member of the
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Aerospace Engineering (ASE) Department. His specialty focuses on UAVs. Both are
tenured professors at the University of Colorado. Both are heavily published in their
respective disciplines.
Gerald (Mitch) Mitchell who is a full-time faculty member of ITP will provide program
management. Mr. Mitchell is currently managing the finances of ITP. He has extensive
industrial and carrier program management experience.
Harvey M. Gates will serve as a technical advisor to the management team. Dr. Gates is
a part-time member of the ITP faculty.
6.1.2 University Support and Oversight
This project will be placed in and managed through the Interdisciplinary
Telecommunications Program (ITP). The ITP is headed by Prof. Tom Lookabaugh who
is a full-time faculty member. Therefore, the PI, Prof. Brown will report to Prof.
Lookabaugh for program support, reporting, and oversight. Prof. Lookabaugh will
provide spacious laboratory facilities in our new Discovery Learning Center (DLC).
Additional laboratory space for the UAV integration and development will be provided in
the Space Experiments Institute, also located in the DLC. The DLC is an integral part of
the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences complex on the University of Colorado
Boulder campus. The departments report to the Dean of the College of Engineering and
Applies Sciences, Prof. Robert H. Davis.
6.2 Contract Services and ComCept Representatives
ComCept planning is currently underway. Funding will be incremental and in phase with
the ComCept Master Program Schedule.
6.2.1 ComCept Representation and Contracting
ComCept funding and contract management for this effort is headed by Chris Christon of
the Washington Office of ComCept. He is the official Program Manager. Chris Christon
will therefore be the official point of contact for this project. In previous work, the
contract vehicle was between ComCept and CU. It is anticipated that this contact
arrangement will prevail for this effort.
6.2.2 ComCept Cost Proposal
A total of $70,000 will be required for the University of Colorado to complete the
proposed research for Phase 3 of the ComCept project. The expenditures will be for the
time of the PI, Co-PI, administrative and technical support, and the students doing the
research. In addition, there will be money for other direct costs. Phase 2 and Phase 3 are
closely related. Some activities will be concurrently sponsored by Phase 2 and Phase 3
funding. Due to University of Colorado accounting practices, expenses for student tuition
may be invoiced more than 30 days after supply of the last deliverable. See attachment 1
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Phase 3 budget. Hardware equipment will be provided as Company Furnished Equipment
through ComCept.
6.2.3 Interfacing This Program with ComCept Representatives
At this point, reporting and interface clarification is necessary. We will use our previous
work as a model for this reporting and interface activity. Operational interface will be
between the University program management and Chris Christon.
General activity program reporting will be to ComCept. Allen J. Norris will be the
general activities point of contact for all administrative, technical, and written reporting,
requests, and coordination. Mr. Norris will report to Bruce D. Trego for this activity.
Mr. Trego is available for those discussions and coordination activities that need special
attention and an added level of decision making. Our program team will direct most of
its general inquiries, requests, and coordination through Mr. Norris.
The senior technical advisor at ComCept is Neal B. Cooper. He therefore will serve as
the technical advisor to the Program Manager, Chris Christon. Harvey M. Gates will be
the primary interface with Neal Cooper in this program.
There may be potential support from other aerospace and commercial entities. The
management teams of our University effort and those of ComCept Division, L-3
Communications Corporation will determine on a case-by-case basis what is necessary
and appropriate to complete this effort most efficiently.
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