ESSOR HDRWF -- Capabilities and Perspectives of an Innovative Coalition Waveform

This paper presents the motivation and results of the European Secure SOftware defined Radio (ESSOR) programme concerning the capabilities and perspectives of the ESSOR HDRWF (High Data Rate WaveForm), an innovative coalition secure high data rate mobile ad hoc networking waveform for land military applications, brigade and below. It gives insight on ESSOR results in specifying, simulating and defining the ESSOR HDRWF. It moves from the User Requirements which drove the definition phase, resulting in a highly configurable waveform capable of adapting to different operating scenarios. It also details the main capabilities of the ESSOR HDRWF and analyzes the achievable performances, considering radio link communication aspects along with overall ad-hoc network behaviour. Impact of size and topology of the network (from scarce networks with few nodes up to dense networks with high number of nodes) is considered. In order to support proper performance assessment, this paper highlights the High Fidelity Simulation environment and methodology put in place for the definition and design phase. Integration of the ESSOR HDRWF into the more general IP based Tactical Intranet concept is also addressed and put in perspective of the associated NATO interoperability approach. In terms of innovative features, it addresses the capabilities of the ESSOR HDRWF to handle efficient synchronization in absence of common time reference (i.e: GNSS), to properly manage communication on the move and dynamic adaptation to the operational environment. In relation with the design activities, this paper presents an overview of the ESSOR Base WF approach allowing the development of portable software jointly developed by the ESSOR stakeholders, supported by the Common Criteria assurance requirements. In that perspective, the current porting activities of this shared software on the different and heterogonous National SDR Platforms are summarized. Finally this paper focuses on the different levels of system validation activities which are planned and which will culminate with interoperability tests amongst the various national SDR platforms.