CDC Vol 3, 423 Tactical Data Link Types

Question 1

• Which units commonly use Link 11?

Answer 1

• Naval platforms
• Airborne platforms
• Ground units that need to link with them.

Question 2

• What polling technique does the network use to manage information exchange among Link 11
  participants?

Answer 2

Roll call

Question 3

• What types of communications systems are primarily used to transmit Link 11B information?

Answer 3

• Landlines
• Microwave
• Troposcatter radio
• Satellite communications

Question 4

• What functional mission areas does Link 16 support?

NOTE: there are seven

Answer 4

• Joint theater air and missile defense
• Attack operations
• Counter-air
• Interdiction
• Suppression of enemy air defense
• Close air support
• Time-critical targeting prosecution.

Question 5

• What function of Link 16 decomposes data into message sets transmitted during pre-planned
  intervals?

Answer 5

TDMA (Time division Multiple Access)

Question 6

TDLs are categorized into two categories, what are they?

Answer 6

• Basic Interface Category

- Extended Category

Question 7

What data links are in the basic interface category?

Answer 7

• Link 16
• Link 11
• Link-11B

Question 8

What data links are in the extended category?

Answer 8

Any TDL that provides data to the basic interface such as ATDL-1 and Link 1.

Question 9

Is Link 11 full-duplex or half-duplex/simplex?

Answer 9

Half-duplex/simplex

Question 10

What are the two modes a unit can enter into Link 11 as?

Answer 10

• Broadcast mode

- Radio silent mode

Question 11

Since link 11 data is not rebroadcasted, participating units only receive information from senders within ______?

Answer 11

Radio contract range

Question 12

What equipment must you have to participate in Link 11?

Answer 12

• DTS (Data Terminal Set)
• HF or UHF radio
• A computer with message-processing software
• A common encryption device

Question 13

What Link 11 equipment acts as a modem?

Answer 13

DTS (Data Terminal Set)

Question 14

What are the two Link 11 waveform options on some data terminal sets (DTS)?

Answer 14

• CLEW (Conventional Link 11 Waveform)

- SLEW (Single Tone Link 11 Waveform)

Question 15

What enhanced capability does SLEW provide over CLEW?

Answer 15

• Increased propagation

- A more powerful error detection and correction (EDAC) algorithm

Question 16

What is the selectable data speed bit rates for Link 11?

Answer 16

2250 or 1364

Question 17

What message series does Link 11 and Link 11B use?

Answer 17

M-Series

Question 18

What is a significant drawback of Link 11 and why is it a weakness?

Answer 18

• Susceptible to hostile jamming

- Link 11 is confined to a single frequency

Question 19

In a Link 11 network, who provides directives and recommendations to all PUs to maximize link effectiveness?

Answer 19

DNCS Data Net Control Station

Question 20

What is the speed range Link 11B can be set between?

Answer 20

Medium rate of 600 - 2400 bps

Question 21

Is Link 11B jam resistance?

Answer 21

Yes - jam resistance is inherent in point-to-point circuit connectivity.

Question 22

What Link 11B unit assignment forwards data between two or more Link 11B units?

Answer 22

FRU (Forward Reporting Unit)

Question 23

What Link assignment allows a unit to forward data between Link 11 and Link 11B?

Answer 23

FPU (Forward Participating Unit)

Question 24

Is Link 11B full-duplex or half-duplex?

Answer 24

Full-Duplex

Question 25

Is Link 11 full-duplex or half-duplex?

Answer 25

Half-Duplex

Question 26

What is a Link 11B circuit composed of?

Answer 26

- Modem | - Appropriate encryption devices

Question 27

What is the equipment needed to establish a Link 11B link?

Answer 27

- Modem - Common encryption device - Associated cabling - A patch panel - Computer with message-processing software - External connector panel

Question 28

Who are the primary users of Link 11B?

Answer 28

- Air Force - Army - Marine Corps

Question 29

What are the primary units that use Link 11B?

Answer 29

- AOC - CRC - Army brigade-level units - Marine Corps units

Question 30

What do Link 11B critical nodes do?

Answer 30

Relay signals between two units when other means of data transfer fail to achieve connectivity.

Question 31

What date rates does Link 16 operate?

Answer 31

High rates of 26.9 to 107.6 kps

Question 32

What is the radio transmission and reception component in Link 16?

Answer 32

JTIDS/MIDS (Joint Tactical Information Distribution System/Multifunctional Information Distribution System)

Question 33

What Link 16 terminals are considered controlled cryptographic items (CCI)?

Answer 33

- MIDS-LVT family terminals | - JTIDS Class 2 terminals

Question 34

What are they five distinctive environments was J-series message designed for?

Answer 34

- Air - Land (ground) - Surface (maritime) - Space - Subsurface

Question 35

What is the waveform and frequency range of Link 16?

Answer 35

960 - 1215 megahertz (MHz)

Question 36

What communication standard format does Link 16 use?

Answer 36

MIL-STD 6016

Question 37

What modes of operations are available for Link 16 and what are their ranges?

Answer 37

- Normal Mode & 300 NM | - Extended Mode & 500 NM

Question 38

Link 16 hopes over ___ frequencies, ___ times a second, spread over the ___ -___ MHz range.

Answer 38

- 51 frequencies - 77,000 times - 960-1215 MHz range

Question 39

What is the standard interval time slot for TDMA in Link 16?

Answer 39

7.8125 milliseconds

Question 40

What is the timing slot in TDMA for voice, round-trip timing (RTT), and free text messages?

Answer 40

Three, six, or twelve 70-bit words

Question 41

What is the basic Link 16 communication "circuits"

Answer 41

NPG - Network Participation Groups

Question 42

What makes Link 15 cryptographically compatible?

Answer 42

Link 16 terminals use of thornton-based secure data unit (SDU)

Question 43

For Link 16, what does secure data unit (SDU) provide for message security (MSEC)?

Answer 43

- Communications Security (COMSEC) | - Transmission Security (TRANSEC)

Question 44

In Link 16 what is the basic key for encrypting operational message traffic?

Answer 44

Traffic Encryption Key (TEK)

Question 45

What data link integrates USAF close air support aircraft with digitized battlefield?

Answer 45

SADL (Situation Awareness Data Link)

Question 46

What is a data radio based on the EPLRS (Enhanced Position Location Reporting System)?

Answer 46

SADL (Situation Awareness Data Link)

Question 47

What does SADL process?

Answer 47

- EPLRS - Joint Variable Message Format (JVMF) - Link 16 messages - SADL messages

Question 48

SADL provides F-16C+ with cooperative engagement capabilities resulting in increased combat efficiency and effectiveness. What F-16C blocks use SADL?

Answer 48

F-16+ = Blocks 25/30/32

Question 49

What data link provides contention-free fighter-to-fighter, air-to-ground, and ground-to-air communications, facilitating position and status reporting for situation awareness?

Answer 49

SADL (Situation Awareness Data Link)

Question 50

SADL can provide positions of digitized ground maneuver unites for the Army and Marine Corps through what, respectively?

Answer 50

- Army Tactical Internet | - Marine Corps Tactical Data Net