Geoffrey A. Sanders, Anna E. Paulson, and Douglas J. Anderson

Abstract: In support of the Network Universal Persistence (Network UP) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) was asked to perform a dual-band tactical radio feasibility study. Propagation path loss and bit-error-rate (BER) were measured in different environments in the Boulder, CO, area at two different frequencies. The purpose was to examine how using a low frequency control channel while transmitting data over a higher frequency channel could potentially reduce tactical radio link outages. The results of this study are provided in this report and they indicate that it is feasible that a tactical dual-band radio using a low frequency control channel could have improved network connectivity.

Keywords: propagation; bit error rate (BER); path loss; Network Up

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

For questions or information on this or any other NTIA scientific publication, contact the ITS Publications Office at ITSinfo@ntia.gov or 303-497-3572.

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