Command and Control Data Dissemination Using IP Multicast

Tools have been developed which allow tactical data to be exchanged over Internet Protocol networks, but the quality of service necessary to operate these tools is not available for most Naval vessels at this time. The objective of this thesis is to show that using Multicast IP, distributing data in layers using an efficient protocol, and sending data with no inherent mechanism to ensure that packets arrive at their destinations will allow data to be exchanged over IP networks at much lower bandwidths than is required today while still maintaining a common tactical picture. Software was developed which interfaces to GCCS-M and exchanges data over a multicast network. This software was tested in a laboratory which simulated a Naval environment. The results of testing demonstrate the potential of using the characteristics of the track data being exchanged in a true multicast architecture to develop a efficient tactical data distribution system for users operating in the Naval environment.