TDL and DLP: Keys to Better Situational Awareness

In modern warfare, TDL (Tactical Data Links) and DLP (Data Link Processors) are vital in understanding both friendly and adversarial platforms.

A tactical data link uses a data link standard in order to provide communication via radio waves or cable used by NATO nations. All military C3 systems use standardized TDL to transmit, relay and receive tactical data.

A data link processor is capable of installing, managing and connecting multiple Link types to multiple networks.

Tactical?Data Links?and?Data Link Processors form the backbone of effective situational awareness communications, especially during combat situations where the rapid exchange of accurate tactical information by allied forces can be critical to the outcome.

In truth, as the role of communications technology becomes more complex, the importance of linking disparate systems grows ever greater. Consequently, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has developed tactical data link standards that are being implemented by all major NATO members and various other nations.

Tactical communications are crucial to command and control. In addition to sharing relevant data with forces to better perform missions, participants must interoperate across service and national boundaries in joint and coalition environments.

Data Link Processors have become the focus of Tactical Data Links as a conduit for TDL success. Essentially, a Data Link Processor is a system that provides multi-link processing capability to share tactical information among surface,?subsurface, air, and land platforms / units.

The advantages of having a fully functional ?DLP are considerable. A portable DLP is isolated from external dependencies and can be developed independent from platform, operating system and hardware.

DLPs are also scalable. A DLP can easily be scaled by enabling/disabling Links or individual Link messages in order?to meet different platform requirements.

Additionally, an effective DLP is open to modifications and improvements by following OACE standard and it can be modified or improved by spending little effort to adapt changes in Link standards like addition of a new Link, addition/deletion of messages or changes in message field.

Military analysts sometimes even refer to a reliable and proven DLP as a building block in the center of Network Centric Operations.?

Want to learn more? Tonex offers Fundamentals of TDL and DLP, a 5-day course that focuses on structured analysis in order to establish a solid foundation for any Tactical Data Links (TDL) and Data Link Processor (DLP)?skillset and to amplify existing skills.

The course will help military and civilian engineers, technicians and operational practitioners from across the TDL/DLP spectrum.

For more information, questions, comments, contact us.