Comms - 15 - 16 Communication Networks Flashcards
Review Questions
What are the three main propagation paths for radio waves and which one is used for long range comms?
Ground wave
Tropospheric Wave Ducting
Sky Wave - Used for long range comms
Review Questions
What effect does the ionosphere have on radio waves?
Radio waves change velocity as they travel through the ionosphere causing them to bend (refract) back to earth.
What is a communication network? For 402 Sqn purposes, what does it enable?
A chain of interconnected persons, operations, or devices enabling communication
Enables radio communications
What is an NCS? What does it do?
One member of the chain is designated as the Net Control Station (NCS), it controls the network.
Define a Free Network
The NCS authorizes member stations to transmit to each other without obtaining prior permission.
Define Directed Network. What types of messages does it apply to?
NCS permission required for member stations to communicate with each other
Keeps traffic to a minimum during exercises or wartime
Applies to all messages except Flash
What usually acts as the NCS in an Operational Theatre?
AWACS
What does AWACS stand for? How do they interact with a Controlling Agency?
Airborne Warning And Control System.
They relay comms to the Controlling Agency if out of range.
_____ also control the net for Data Link usage acting as NCS.
AWACS
What are the five methods of transmitting data?
Audio Teletype (Morse) Facsimile (FAX) Video/ computer Data link
What does a Tactical Network deal with?
Control of weapons
Early Warning Systems
Aircraft Movement and Control
Local Command Nets
What is a strategic network, what can it deal with and when is it required?
It is generally global in nature with far reaching operations
Can deal with a wide range of traffic
May be required to inter-operate with other strategic networks
Callsigns are used to what?
Used to address aircraft or communication stations and delineate one station/ aircraft from another.
What are the two types of callsigns?
File (Int’l/ Admin)
Tactical
What might the file callsign be?
The aircraft tail registration or a particular assigned codeword
When is a File callsign used?
Used on flight plans
Used to talk to ATC
Used on military nets that are for admin purposes
When are tactical callsigns used? Are they temporary?
Used on tactical nets only, may be permanent or temporary.
What are the HF communication networks?
CF Military Comms Systems (MACS/ MCCS)
402 in-house network (pipeline)
USAF Global Comms network
What does MACS stand for? What does it provide?
Military Aeronautical Communications System
Provide non-tactical air/ground/air comms to CF and allied aircraft
How many ground stations does MACS comprise of? Where are they?
3
Trenton
Edmonton (run remotely through Trenton)
St John’s (run remotely through Trenton)
All three MACS stations monitor which frequencies?
9007, 11232 and SAR 5717
Are HF/DF services provided by MACS in Canada? If not, who provides them?
No, DF services provided by the comm center, CFS Leitrim (Ontario)
What is Maritime Command Communications System (MCCS) used for?
Primarily for tactical comms but can still be used for non-tactical traffic
What are the two ground stations located for MCCS?
Halifax, NS and Esquimalt, BC
