The SIMNET Network and Protocols. Revision

Abstract : SIMNET is an advanced research project sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in partnership with the United States Army. Currently in its sixth year, the goal of the program is to develop the technology to build a large-scale network of interactive combat simulators. This simulated battlefield will provide, for the first time, an opportunity for fully-manned platoon-, company-, and battalion-level units to fight force-on- force engagements against an opposing unit of similar composition. Furthermore, it does so in the context of a joint, combined arms environment with the complete range of command and control and combat service support elements essential to actual military operations. All of the elements that can affect the outcome of a battle are represented in this engagement, with victory likely to go to that unit which is able to plan, orchestrate, and execute their combined- arms battle operations better than their opponent. Whatever the outcome, combat units will benefit from this opportunity to practice collective, combined arms, joint war fighting skills at a fraction of the cost of an equivalent exercise in the field. This report describes the SIMNET network and its communication facilities and protocols.