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Seventh International Data Links Symposium

16 - 18 October 2007Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

Washington DC, USA

Common Data Link (CDL) OverviewCommon Data Link (CDL) Overview

Office Phone: 703 236-7420

"This document does not contain technical data as defined by 22 CFR (ITAR) 120.10"

D. Curt Osterheld Vice President, Customer Support

Communication Systems-West L-3 Communications Washington Operations

D. Curt Osterheld Vice President, Customer Support

Communication Systems-West L-3 Communications Washington Operations

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Purpose and ObjectivesPurpose and Objectives• Provide an Introduction to the Common Data

Link (CDL)

• Discuss CDL Systems and Their Evolution

• Introduce Net-Centric CDL Systems

• Offer a Top Level Description of How CDL Works

• Present Examples of the L-3 CDL Products

• Provide Points of Contact for Additional Information

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AgendaAgenda• Definition of CDL

• Common Data Link Basics and Missions

• Interoperability

• Common Data Links - The Community and the Environment

• Samples of the CDL Family of Products

• Summary and Questions

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What is CDL?What is CDL?

1. A Set of Common and Interoperable Waveform Characteristics and Interfaces

2. A Communications Architecture, Providing Interoperability and Connectivity From Sensors to Shooters

3. Full Duplex, Jam Resistant, Digital Wireless, Point to Point Communications

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What is CDL? (Part Deux)What is CDL? (Part Deux)The Common Data Link (CDL) Program Goals: • Achieve Data Link Interoperability • Provide Seamless Communications Between

– Multiple Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Assets

– Collection Systems Operated by Armed Services and Government Agencies.

The CDL Program Establishes: – Data Link Standards and Specifications Identifying

• Compatibility• Interoperability • Operational Requirements Between Collection Platforms and Surface Terminals Across User Organizations

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What is CDL? (Part Trois)What is CDL? (Part Trois)Related Programs:• Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL)• Modular Interoperable Surface Terminal (MIST) • Sea-based Common Data Link-Navy (CDL-N) • Common High Bandwidth Data Link Surface Terminal (CHBDL-ST)

• ARL • ASTOR [UK] • GLOBAL HAWK/PREDATOR/UCAV/VTUAV• GUARDRAIL COMMON SENSOR • RIVET JOINT (RC-135V/W) • TARS • TIGDL • U-2

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Data Link BasicsData Link Basics

Common Data LinkCommon Data Link

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CDL FunctionsCDL Functions

• Multiplexer / Demultiplexing• Randomization / Derandomization• Differential Encoding / Decoding• Encryption / Decryption• Forward Error Correction Coding / Decoding• Interleaving / Deinterleaving• Spread / Despread• Modulation / Demodulation

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Data Link ModelData Link Model

UPCONVERT

AMPLIFY FILTER

PN GEN

Convolution R 1/2, K=7Reed-Solomon, R 7/8, 13/14Nordstrom-Robinson, R 1/2

K = 4,000or 16,000

BPSK,OQPSK

Composite data

DIPLEXER LOW NOISEAMPLIFY

DOWNCONVERT

CODETRACKING

LOOPPN GEN

FREQUENCYSOURCE

RANGECOUNTER

Range Data

PNEpoch

Data Clock

DESPREAD

DEMOD

DEINTERLEAVE

DECODE

DEMUX

AGC

AMPLIFY

SensorControl

ChannelsNetwork

DECRYPT

BIT SYNCLOOP

FREQUENCYSOURCE

MULTIPLEX

ENCODE

INTERLEAVE

MODULATE

SPREAD

SensorData

ChannelsNetwork

ENCRYPT

ANTENNAANTENNAPOINTING

CALCULATION

PNEpoch

Composite data

Generic Data Link Functions

Source: General Technical Analysis / Theoretical References

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CDL Functions - DuplexCDL Functions - Duplex

Encrypt

DifferentialEncoder

Interleaver

TWTA

Diplexer

Decrypt

DifferentialDecoder

Deinterleaver

LNA

Diplexer

400Ks/s

400Ks/s

ConvolutionalEncoder

Spread &Modulator

Up Converter

Viterbi Decoder

Despread &Demodulator

Down Converter

Baseband

IF

RF

Data RateExpansion

Data RateReduction

200Kb/s

200Kb/s

Transmit Receive

ReceiveTerminal

DEMUX

UserChannels

UserChannels MUX

TransmitTerminal

OverheadChannels

OverheadChannels

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Waveform DefinitionWaveform Definition

• Does Not Define– Hardware– Implementation– SWAP– Environmental Requirements

• Defines Functions Required– The TV Concept

• Many Sizes• Many Shapes and Costs• Operate on the Same Waveform

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Mission ExamplesMission Examples

Common Data LinkCommon Data Link

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ReconnaissanceReconnaissance

This material is in the public domain and may be reprinted without permission; citation of this source is appreciated.Cleared for Public Domain Release by Directorate for Freedom of Information and Security Review (DFOISR), dated 14 Sept 1998, reference number 98-S-3646.

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Wide Band LOS Data LinksWide Band LOS Data Links

Broadcast to Receive- Only Users

Tethered Line of Sight

DFOISR Public Release Approval 99-S-1657, 95-S-3985/L, 98-S-0754, 98-S-0063, 98-S-2335, 00-S-2655

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Hand-OffHand-Off

This material is in the public domain and may be reprinted without permission; citation of this source is appreciated.Cleared for Public Domain Release by Directorate for Freedom of Information and Security Review (DFOISR), dated 14 Sept 1998, reference number 98-S-3646.

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RelayRelay

This material is in the public domain and may be reprinted without permission; citation of this source is appreciated.Cleared for Public Domain Release by Directorate for Freedom of Information and Security Review (DFOISR), dated 14 Sept 1998, reference number 98-S-3646.

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Air Force Surveillance Systems

Source: Part of Diagram with DFOISR Public Release Approval 99-S-1657

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Army Surveillance SystemsArmy Surveillance Systems

Source: Part of Diagram with DFOISR Public Release Approval 99-S-1657

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Navy/Marines Surveillance SystemsNavy/Marines Surveillance Systems

AJ

706NAVYVS 24

Source: Part of Diagram with DFOISR Public Release Approval 99-S-1657

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InteroperabilityInteroperability

Common Data LinkCommon Data Link

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Interoperability - Driving RequirementInteroperability - Driving Requirement

InteroperableJoint and Service C4

systems must possess the interoperabilitynecessary to ensure success in joint and

combined operations. Interoperability is thecondition achieved among C4 systems or

items of C4 equipment when information orservices can be exchanged directly and

satisfactorily between them and their users.To ensure C4 systems’ interoperability, allaspects of achieving it must be addressedthroughout the life cycle of a system.

• Additional principles furtheringinteroperability include:

CommonalityCompatibility

Standardization

Source: http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/jel/new_pubs/jp6_0.pdf

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Concept of InteroperabilityConcept of Interoperability

Source: ISR Interoperability and NATO STANAGs; DFOISR reference number 00S-3281; September 2000

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Simplified Concept of InteroperabilitySimplified Concept of Interoperability

“Interoperability Is Achieved When Any Platform Can Connect Through a Family of Data Link Communication Systems to Provide Both Data and C2 Transport For All Authorized Users.”

Source: ISR Interoperability and NATO STANAGs; DFOISR reference number 00S-3281; September 2000

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The Community and the Environment

The Community and the Environment

Common Data LinkCommon Data Link

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Information is PowerInformation is Power

Vice Adm (Ret) Cebrowski: “The Source of Power in OIF was Information Sensors, Not Shooters.”

Data Links – Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)Data Links – Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)

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CDL Links and HistoryCDL Links and History

• In the Late 1970s, CDL Was a Point to Point Link for Transmitting ISR Data

• In the Mid-1990 Time Frame, CDL Started Evolving to an IP Enabled Net-Centric Architecture

• The CDL Specification is IP Enabled and Supports Interoperability of Networked Data Links

• Common Waveforms Provide Product Interoperability Both Forward and Backward

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CDL as a Communications InfrastructureCDL as a Communications Infrastructure

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

1969 1974 1979 1984 1989 1994 1999 2004

Year

CD

L Fi

elde

d U

nits

CDL StandardEstablished

Rev ASpec

Rev CSpec

Rev ESpec

Rev FSpec

Rev DSpec

DARPATCDL PRG

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CDL Is ... Transmission ArchitectureCDL Is ... Transmission Architecture

“The Common Data Link (CDL) System is a Family of Full Duplex, Jam-Resistant, Point-to- Point Microwave Communication Links Developed by the United States Government and Used in Imagery and Signals Intelligence Collection Systems.”*

* Common Data Link Waveform Specification, Specification 7681990, Revision F, November 2002, p.1

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CDL Is ... A U.S. MandateCDL Is ... A U.S. Mandate

“CDL remains the Department standard for ISR wideband links for manned and unmanned platforms to promote Service interoperability. As such, all ISR wideband terminal variants, including tactical CDLs (TCDLs), shall comply with the “Waveform Specification for the Standard Common Data Link (Rev F),” and its appendices, which address the Physical and Data Link OSI layers”*

* This policy was last reinforced by ASD C3I Dec 30, 2005

* ASD (C3I) Memorandum, Common Data Link (CDL) Policy, 18 October 1994.

Mandated by DoD as the Wideband Communications Standard for Transferring ISR Sensor Data

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CDL Is ... A Family of RF WaveformsCDL Is ... A Family of RF Waveforms

NATO STANAG 7085 Implementation #1

CDL Specification Rev F

Standard CDL(Includes TCDL)

BR

-0.2

BR

-0.4

BR

-2.0

BR

-10.

71

BR

-21.

42

BR

-44.

73

BR

-137

BR

-274

A US and NATO Waveform Standard– US: CDL Waveform Specification #7681990– NATO: STANAG 7085 Implementation #1

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CDL … A Large Deployed InfrastructureCDL … A Large Deployed Infrastructure

Hundreds of CDL Terminals– Have Been Developed– Have Been Deployed– Are Currently Being Employed Effectively

to Transport ISR Information

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CDL Is ... Library of Technical DocumentsCDL Is ... Library of Technical Documents

• Standard Common Data Link Waveform Specification, Specification 7681990, Revision F, Nov 2002

• Implementation #1 of STANAG 7085

• Related documents and technical information–CDL System Description Document (SDD)–CDL Studies–Link Budget Software Tool–Mission Deployment Software Tool

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CDL Is ... A Body of KnowledgeCDL Is ... A Body of Knowledge• Military Service and Agency Users (Operators)

– Mission Specifics– Operational Requirements (Thresholds and Objectives)– Operational Experience (Lessons Learned)

• Service and Agency Program Managers– Platform, Sensor, and Application Specifics– Desired “to-be’ State and Acquisition Strategies

• CDL Contractors– Specific Hardware and Software Implementations– Design, Testing, and Manufacturing Expertise

• Support Contractors– Support Services and Corporate Knowledge

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CDL Is ... A Vision of The FutureCDL Is ... A Vision of The Future• A Secure Wireless Networking Architecture to

Support the Warfighter– Designed and Managed in Compliance With Open-

Standard Waveform and Networking Specifications– Based on secure and interoperable wideband data

communications waveforms• Migrating to Support Current and Future DoD Mandates• Meeting Military Operational Requirements with Flexible and

Scalable Systems• Focusing on Meeting the Needs of the Individual Warfighter • Software Configurable to Support Multiple Roles,

Waveforms, Data Transfer Rates, and Interfaces• Configured and Managed within Rigorously Applied

Processes

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CDL is Not ...CDL is Not ...

• TADIL (Tactical Data Link) Family– E.g., Link 16 is Established as the Primary Tactical Data

Link for the Dissemination of Processed Information Directly to Operators in the Battlespace

– Inherently Not Interoperable with CDL

• SCDL (Surveillance and Control Data Link)– Used to Transfer MTI data to Surface Terminals– Not Interoperable with CDL

• C-band, analog, and other ISR data links• Other Tactical Data Links

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CDL FlexibilityCDL Flexibility

• Flexibility and Capability– Varies Based on Product Implementation and Operational

Use– Typical Configurable Parameters Include

• Data Rate and Multiplexing / Demultiplexing Format• Spread Spectrum• Operational Frequency

• BUT: This Complicates Configuration Control and Interoperability

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The CDL Product FamilyThe CDL Product Family

Common Data LinkCommon Data Link

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Communication Systems West ProductsCommunication Systems West ProductsAirborne Data Links

Surface Data Links

Surface SATCOM

• Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) Manned and Unmanned Communication Systems

• High-Capacity Communication Products & Systems

• Network-Centric Migration Programs

• Surface SATCOM Terminals

• Key Technologies for High-Capacity Mobile Networks

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• Full duplex and receive only continuous waveform

• Airborne terminals can be single band• Surface terminals typically dual band• Traditional Forward link is 200 Kbps• Traditional Return link is

– 10.71 Mbps– 44.7 Mb/s– 137 Mbps – 274 Mbps

L-3 Common Data Link FamilyL-3 Common Data Link Family

Mini TCDL TransceiverT-Series Model U

T-Series Model-N AirborneT-Series Model N SurfaceTIGDL II (Tactical Interoperable Ground Data Link)ROVER III ReceiverJSIT Transceiver Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance System (TARS)PR-274 Podded Reconnaissance Data Link AirbornePST-274 Portable Surface Terminal Data LinkMPEG-2 Video Encoder/DecoderAirborne Single Slot Data LinkT-Series Model S Surface Terminal Data LinkROVER 4 Data LinkCompact Multi-band Data LinkT-Series Model AT2740-3 Airborne Data Link

Selected Products follow: Complete information at http://www.l-3com.com/csw/Product/

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• Full duplex, continuous waveform• Airborne terminals can be single band• Surface terminals typically dual band• Traditional Forward link is 200 Kbps• Traditional Return link is

– 10.71 Mbps– 137 Mbps – 274 Mbps

Common Data LinkCommon Data Link

This material is in the public domain and may be reprinted without permission; citation of this source is appreciated. Cleared for Public Domain Release by Directorate for Freedom of Information and Security Review (DFOISR), dated 14 Sept 1998, reference number 98-S-3646.

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Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance System (TARS) Collector Data Link Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance System (TARS) Collector Data Link

• Ruggedized Construction - SEM-E Modules• Software Configurable• Modulation Type

– - BPSK - QPSK– - Bi-BPSK - O-QPSK

• Frequency (combined or selected)– - CDL Ku-Band– - TARS X-/Ku-band

• Dual-band Antenna• Power/Data Rates automatically adjusted for

environment• Autonomous Spatial and RF Channel acquisition• Data Rates

– CDL Mode– Return Link 274, 137, 45, 10.71 Mb/s– Command Link 10.71, 2, 0.20 Mb/s

• TARS Full Duplex Mode– Return Link– Wideband Data 274 ÷ 2n Mb/s n = 0 to 11– Protected Data 306 ÷ 2n kb/s n = 0 to 4– Command Link 250 ÷ 2n kb/s n = 0 to 4

• TARS Qeuing Mode– Return Link 19.125 kb/s (TDMA)– Command Link 15.625 kb/s

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Tactical Interoperable Ground Data Link (TIGDL II) Tactical Interoperable Ground Data Link (TIGDL II)Command Link• Data Rates 200 kb/s, 2Mb/s, 10.71Mb/s• Modulation SS’BPSK SS’BPSK OQPSK• Power Amp 5 Watt SSPA

Return Link• Data Rates 10.71, 137, 274 Mb/s• Modulation Offset QPSK (OQPSK)

Antenna• Size 6 foot parabolic reflector• Frequency X-band and Ku-band• Azimuth capability Continuous , 360o azimuth• Slew rate 20o/sec (30°/sec optional)• Synchro Accuracy 16 bit (24 bit optional)• Operational wind 40 mph (70 mph optional)• Remoting 300 meters with standard cable (Up to 10Km with optional cable)

Other• Encryption Optional (Bypass or Embedded)• Dual Band Operation Yes• Frequency Tuning CDL 5 MHz steps• BIT To module level• Link Audio Yes• Maintenance Audio Yes• Remote Spectrum Analyzer Yes• ATM User I/F Yes• CDL User I/F Yes• AN/AIC-26 (Airborne Intercommunication System) Optional

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Mini TCDL TransceiverMini TCDL Transceiver• Symmetric & Asymmetric Data Rates up to 45

Mbps with Ranges Up to 150 Nautical Miles• Supports Both Omni and Directional Antenna

Systems• CDL Specification Annex A & B Compliant

Interface- Dual Ethernet 10/100 Base-T- Serial RS-232- NTSC/RS-170, PAL- Wideband Network Router

• Integrated COMSEC- Easy Access for Multiple Platforms

• Software- Control GUI Including Router

Configuration- Pre-mission Configuration- Video Display- MPEG-2- H.261

• Power- 28VDChttp://www.l-3com.com/csw/Product/docs/09-MiniTCDLTransceiver.pdf

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ROVER 4 ReceiverROVER 4 ReceiverMulti-band reception

• Ku-band Digital• C-band Digital• C-band Analog• S-band Analog• L-band Analog

Included antennas• Ku-band omni

• Integral LNA with DC power via RF cable• C/L/S-band omni

• Integral LNA with DC power via RF cable

Triple DES DecryptionSoftware

• Control GUI• Pre-mission configuration• Automatic frequency acquisition

Software Configurable• Waveform• Band and Frequency• Video Protocol• Video display software

MPEG-2MPEG-4H.261Analog

Integrated MPEG-4/MPEG-2/H.261 decoderDigital Video Recorder with standard .wmv file formatKLV Metadata mapped to FalconViewVideo display

• Ruggedized Laptop via Ethernet• NTSC/RS-170 Video Port

Power• BA-5590 form factor batteries (Battery not included)• Battery eliminator that allows AC or DC input• DC NATO plug cable• DC vehicle accessory power plug cable• AC plug cable• Alternate laptop power supply• Allows laptop to be powered from any• BA-5590 form factor battery

• Extends laptop battery operation by 8-10 hoursOptions

• Directional C-band antenna for increased range

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Network Centric Communications Systems

Network Centric Communications Systems

Common Data LinkCommon Data Link

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Network ModelNetwork Model• All Network Interfaces Follow a Common

Scheme– Network Layer with Routing– Segmentation and Reassembly of Transmitted

Packets– Framing Packet Segments for Transmission– Physical Layer with Low

Level Error Correction

• Designed to Provide Standardized COTS Networking Interfaces

Network

Physical

Framing

Segmentation

User End-to-End Protocol

Network

Data Link

Physical

Transport

Session

Presentation

Application

Network

Data Link

Physical

Transport

Session

Presentation

Application

CDL Framing

IP

User I/F

UserPhysical

IP

CellFraming User I/F

UserPhysical

IP

PhysicalSpecifications

IP

CellFraming

Subnet

User I/F User I/F

Source: General Technical Analysis / Theoretical References

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CDL Is ... A Wireless Network BackboneCDL Is ... A Wireless Network Backbone

CDL Network Interface

IP

Physical Layer(CDL RF Waveforms)

Data Link Layer

Network Layer

BR

-0.2

BR

-0.4

BR

-2.0

BR

-10.

71

BR

-21.

42

BR

-44.

73

BR

-137

BR

-274

Network ApplicationsTransport LayerSession Layer

Presentation LayerApplication Layer

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U-2

Global HawkPredator

AWACS

ASTORP-3

Rivet JointJSTARS

S-3 Viking

F-18

F-14

B-2

UCAV

Apache

Black Hawk

Comanche

F-16

TomahawkBAT

Hellfire LOCAAS

FOTTJSOW

E-10 E-6

E-4

Wireless NetworkingWireless Networking

MobileMobileLand BasedLand Based

Sea BasedSea Based

Surface InfrastructureSurface Infrastructure

MunitionsMunitions

Strategic/TacticalStrategic/Tactical

TheaterTheater

Satellite CommunicationsSatellite Communications

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What is Common Data Link?What is Common Data Link?

• A Transmission Architecture for ISR* Sensor Data • A Mandate From the United States DoD• A Family of RF Waveform Standards• A Large Deployed Infrastructure• A Wireless Network Backbone• A Library of Technical Specifications • A Body of Knowledge• A Vision of the Future

* ISR: Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance

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SummarySummary

• CDL is the Standard Used by the US ISR Community

• CDL Provides Common Communication Services for Platforms and Sensor Payloads

• CDL Provides Growth for “Signals in Space” Supporting: – LOS (Symmetric / Asymmetric Operations)– BLOS– Air-Air Relay – Networked User Interfaces – Networked Waveforms

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Data Link Systems - Contact InfoData Link Systems - Contact Info

Sales and Marketing Contact:

Ken ThomasEmail: Kenneth.C.Thomas@L-3com.comPhone:(801) 594-3537 Fax:(801) 594-2908

George HillEmail: George.C.Hill@L-3Com.comPhone:(801)594-3824 Fax:(801)594-2908

http://www.l-3com.com/csw/

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Your QuestionsYour Questions

Common Data LinkCommon Data Link