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Chapter 1
Combat Net Radio (CNR) Deployment
1-1. New Equipment
a. Modern semiconductor technology has made high-speed signal
processing part of everyday life and has enhanced communications systems
capabilities. Adding electronic counter-countermeasures2 (ECCM) modules and
devices makes radios and command and control (C ) facilities more
survivable. Frequency hopping (FH) is a spread-spectrum radio technique. It
degrades enemy forces’ abilities to find, monitor, or destroy friendly
systems.
b. Single-channel radios are being upgraded or replaced. This
provides the maneuver force commander with a reliable multifaceted C2
communications system. The combination of high frequency (HF), very high
frequency (VHF), and ultra high frequency (UHF) radios gives commanders
redundant, but different, means to control their forces. Each system takes
advantage of a different transmission path increasing the probability that
at least one communications system will work at any given time.
c. Joining active electronic
2
and passive ECCM techniques with
multiple radio sets in the C system provides effective communications to
control ground and airborne forces. However, the increase in complexity and
number of different radio types also increases the predeployment planning
necessary to ensure completely operational communications networks.
1-2. The CNR Network
a. The CNR network is designed around three separate radio systems.
Each system has different capabilities and transmission characteristics. The
three systems are--
Improved high frequency radio (IHFR).
Single-Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS).
Single-channel tactical satellite (TACSAT).
2
The CNR network’s primary role is voice transmission for C . The CNR network
assumes a secondary role for data transmission when requirements exceed the
Army Data Distribution 2System (ADDS) or Mobile Subscriber Equipment (MSE)
capabilities. Voice C information maintains priority over data in most
networks. The exception is using SINCGARS with the Tactical Fire Direction
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System (TACFIRE) or Advanced
2
Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS).
Current demands on voice C networks require a large amount of operational
time dedicated to voice. This leaves little time for data sharing.
(1) The IHFR will selectively replace the current HF manpack and
vehicular radios. It will use ground and skywave propagation paths for
short- and medium-range communications. FM 24-18 covers radio wave
propagation. IHFR gives the tactical commander alternate means of 2passing
voice and data communications. IHFR has a dual role with voice C taking
precedence over data transmission. Passing data requires an interface device
called a modem. The 2
high-power version is used for voice networks that pass
highly perishable C information or for medium- to long-range communications
(50 to 300 kilometers (31 to 186 miles)). Brigade and battalion level units
primarily use the low- power version (0 to 50 kilometers (0 to 31 miles)).
All IHFR versions are user-owned and -operated.
(2) SINCGARS is replacing all AN/PRC-77 manpack and AN/VRC-12 series
vehicular mounted VHF and airborne VHF frequency modulated (FM) radios.
SINCGARS accepts either digital or analog inputs and imposes the signal onto
an FH output signal. In FH, the input changes frequency about 100 times per
second over portions of the tactical VHF range from 30 to 88 MHz. This
hinders threat intercept and jamming units from locating or disrupting
friendly communications. SINCGARS is the primary 2
means for short-range (less
than 35 kilometers (22 miles)) secure voice C below division level. It is
also the secondary means for combat support (CS) and combat service support
(CSS) units throughout the corps. SINCGARS is user-owned and -operated like
the current VHF-FM radios. SINCGARS can provide access to the area common-
user (ACU) network through the Net Radio Interface (NRI) System, or its
range can be increased by retransmission. Data and facsimile transmission
capabilities are available to tactical commanders through simple connections
with various data terminal equipment (DTE). Until the ADDS fielding is
complete, SINCGARS will, on a limited basis, fulfill the data transmission
requirements. However, avoid this when possible because voice has priority
on the system.
(3) The current single-channel TACSAT systems include the AN/URC-101,
AN/URC-110, AN/VSC-7, AN/PSC-3, and AN/VHS-4. Special Forces and Ranger
units use the AN/PSC-3 and AN/VSC-7 for minimum essential communications.
Special contingency units at selected corps and division levels use
AN/URC-101 and AN/URC-110.
b. Currently, SINCGARS can interface with MSE and Tri-Service
Tactical Communications (TRI-TAC) equipment. Each interface device is
peculiar to that Area Common-User System (ACUS).
(1) In the NRI, SINCGARS uses the KY-90 to link the MSE radio and the
switched area communications network. Presently, the NRI gains access into
the MSE ACUS through large extension node switch (LENS) or small extension
node switch (SENS) shelters. This allows a SINCGARS radio user to access the
entire common-user network. Future plans may be to move the radio systems by
remoting. Since the switching node will be colocated with a headquarters
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element in the forward battle area, reducing the signature enhances
survivability.
(2) The C-6709 provides NRI access for SINCGARS to analog switched
systems (either AN/TTC-38 or AN/TTC-39). Again, the NRI device must be
colocated with a switch to provide the necessary physical connections.
1-3. Doctrinal Networks
a. Units from battalion echelon up generally establish the following
three categories of VHF-FM networks:
2
C.
Administrative/Logistics.
Intelligence.
2
C networks can be further divided into functional areas of maneuver, fire
support, aviation, air 2
defense artillery (ADA), and engineers. These units
establish internal C networks and are subscribers in at least one other
network. In this manual, the networks shown only serve as guides for
establishing radio networks. The actual networks established depend on the
existing situation, command guidance, and equipment available.
(1) Figure 1-1 lists the typical networks formed at division and 2
brigade level. Figure 1-2 shows typical subscribers
2
for a maneuver unit C
network. Note that the subscribers in2 a C network are members of that
echelon and the next senior echelon C network.
(2) Units establish administrative/logistics networks (Figure 1-3) as
required. All echelons from battalion through division have a support
network to separate administrative/logistics and operational information.
This prevents support information from overwhelming the command operations
network during battle.
(3) Intelligence networks (Figure 1-4) are usually established from
battalion through division. The information passed over these networks is
continuous
2
in nature and requires a separate network to prevent overloading
the C net. The local situation determines whether other subscribers are
added or deleted.
(4) The rear battle command FM network (Figure 1-5) is a key network
under the AirLand Battle concept. This network consists of many units that
are colocated. The members of the rear battle network also depend on the
actual units that form the base cluster.
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b. IHFR is the primary radio used in the HF networks. The high
frequency-amplitude modulated (HF-AM) networks shown are generic networks.
Specific networks established and subscribers to those networks depend on
local guidance and requirements.
(1) HF networks are similar to the VHF-FM networks in function and
establishment. Many HF networks are backup or supplemental to their VHF-FM
counterparts. HF networks are established when unit dispersal exceeds
2
the
planning range for VHF-FM systems. Figure 1-6 shows a2 typical C network at
division level.
2
Note the similarity with the VHF-FM C network (Figure 1-2).
The HF C network is established as a secondary means of controlling the
battle.
2
(2) Logistics units use HF radios for C and internal coordination
due to the communications distances from the division support area (DSA) to
the brigade support area (BSA). This net is a backup to FM when the tactical
spread of the division extends the lines of communications. When available,
the ACUS replaces this net as well as similar corps nets. Figure 1-7 shows
the network for logistics support in a division. The support units within
the corps establish similar networks or monitor the division networks to
ensure push forward support.
(3) Reconnaissance and cavalry units require HF radios to provide
long-range communications for reconnaissance patrols. Figure 1-8 shows the
typical subscribers in a cavalry unit HF network.
2
Cavalry squadrons and
troops use the low-power IHFR for their C networks. The same is true of
both divisional and regimental cavalry.
(4) Medical units need dedicated long-range, reliable communications
systems that can be user-operated. Communications distances from major
medical support bases to forward aid stations will be substantial under the
AirLand Battle concept. Push-button automatic tuning and other simplified
operating features make IHFR ideal for nonsignal personnel. Figures 1-9
through 1-11 show typical medical unit HF networks for corps and division.
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1-4. Corps and Division
a. SINCGARS and IHFR are the primary means of communications within
maneuver brigades. CS and CSS units operating in the division area behind
the brigade rear boundary use CNR as a secondary means of communications;
however, the ACUS is the primary means of communications. Single-channel
radios fulfill many voice communications missions within 2the division and
corps areas. Separate networks may be established for C , intelligence, or
administration and logistics. Although each network is designed for a
particular type of information, other information may be passed over the
network. SINCGARS provides secure communications for all users, regardless
of the network’s main function. The current method of securing HF voice
communications is with the KY-65.
b. Data transmission (non-TACFIRE) throughout the corps and division
area will share a voice network. At brigade and division, primary shared
network
2
data information originates from either the tactical facsimile or
the C computer system. TACFIRE or AFATDS establishes dedicated data
networks via SINCGARS. IHFR and UHF TACSAT can pass data rates up to 2400
baud and can be secured with the KG-84 data encryption device.
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