A Study of the IEEE 802.16 MAC Layer and its Utility in Augmenting the ADNS Architecture to Provide Adaptable Intra-Strike Group High-Speed Packet Switched Data, Imagery, and Voice Communications.

This research evaluates the Medium Access Control Layer (MAC) of the IEEE 802.16 Wireless standard and its utility in augmenting the IP (Internet Protocol) router based Automated Digital Network System (ADNS). This research explores the need for a high throughput, high speed network for use in a network centric wartime environment and how commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies that take advantage of the IEEE 802.16 wireless protocol can satisfy these requirements. The intent of this research is to prove that IEEE 802.16 systems can provide the ADNS with a viable alternative in order to enhance its capabilities and mitigate its limitations. This research includes a discussion on the current configuration of the ADNS architecture and its uses in the Carrier Strike Group (CSG). This research also analyzes the IEEE 802.16 MAC layer and identifies and tests its unique quality attributes that make it a viable high speed, high throughput communication link for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint naval applications.