What is the key element of communication between all kinds of devices and systems in our lives?
A data link is a way of connecting one source to another for the purpose of transmitting and receiving audio, video or information (data communication). It also requires a series of electronic assemblies consisting of a transmitter and a receiver (two pieces of data terminal equipment) and an interconnecting data telecommunication circuit. This is governed by a link protocol that enables the transfer of digital data from one data source to another data pool.
A data link is a way of connecting one source to another for the purpose of transmitting and receiving audio, video or information (data communication). It also requires a series of electronic assemblies consisting of a transmitter and a receiver (two pieces of data terminal equipment) and an interconnecting data telecommunication circuit. This is governed by a link protocol that enables the transfer of digital data from one data source to another data pool.
Data Link "Data Link" is the connection and data communication system between communication systems on board the aircraft and other systems on the ground, in another aircraft, or both. The data link is the communication line that transfers message content between information applications running on the systems involved. Each transmission system and information applications are independent, but use the Data Link data link to exchange information.
What are the types of Datalink?
There are at least three basic types of data link configurations that can be designed and used. These are
Simplex communication, which most commonly means that all communications are in one direction only.
Half-duplex Half-duplex communication means communication in both directions, but not in both directions simultaneously.
Duplex communications, communications in both directions simultaneously.
Where is the use of Datalink data transmission in Aviation?
Its use in civil aviation is where a datalink system (known as Check Pilot Datalink Communication) is used to send information between aircraft and air traffic controllers, for example when an aircraft is too far away from ATC to enable voice radio communications and radar observations. Such systems are used for aircraft crossing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Such a system, used by Nav Canada and NATS over the North Atlantic, uses a five-digit data link sequence number that is confirmed between air traffic control and the aircraft's pilots before the aircraft begins to cross the ocean. This system uses the aircraft's flight management computer to send position, speed and altitude information about the aircraft to ATC. ATC can then send messages to the aircraft regarding any required course changes.
In unmanned aircraft, land vehicles, boats or spacecraft, a two-way (full-duplex or half-duplex) data link is used to send control signals and receive telemetry.
The Controller Pilot Data Link Communications system used in civil aviation is called Controller Pilot Data Link Communications, where air traffic controller and pilot communication is provided by text over the data link, except RTF (rich text format) Rich Text Format.
The commercial aviation industry uses a variety of air-to-ground data links (VHF, HF and Satellite) connecting an aircraft to an Operations Centre, while the final information delivery ensures consistency in end-to-end data transmission by providing a higher reliability rate, availability and message integrity. ARINC created the original Communications and Reporting System message service nearly two decades ago, which evolved into the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) we know today.
Tactical data link (TDL)
It uses a data link standard to provide communication via radio waves or cable used by NATO countries. All military C3 (Command, Control, Communication) systems use standardised Tactical Data link data transmission systems (TDL) such as Link 11, Link 16, Link-22 to transmit, transmit and receive tactical data.
Multiple TDL network (MTN) refers to a network of similar and different TDLs integrated through gateways, translators and correlators to bring together the common tactical picture and/or the common operational picture.
Tactical data link character
TDLs are characterised by standardised message and transmission formats. This is usually written in the standard form <Message Format>/<Transmission Format>.
TDL standards in NATO
In NATO, tactical data link standards are being developed by the Data Link Working Group (DLWG) of the Information Systems Subcommittee (ISSC) in accordance with the appropriate STANAG. Link Systems are also used by every country all over the world. It is not a procedure exclusive to NATO.
The data link is a communication layer just above the physical layer that provides data transmission in communication networks and between systems. This layer ensures accurate and reliable transmission of data packets. While the data link layer deals with the physical transmission of data, it also provides users with the ability to correct and control data errors.
The main tasks of the data link layer may include the following:
Framing:
It divides the data to be sent into small pieces, i.e. frames. These frames facilitate the transmission of data packets.
Flow Control:
Regulates the flow of data so that the fast data source does not overwhelm the slow data receiver. This ensures that data is transmitted in accordance with the speed of the receiver without being lost and transmitted incorrectly.
Error Detection and Correction:
The data link layer detects whether data packets are corrupted during transmission and corrects these errors if necessary. This prevents or corrects errors that may occur during transmission.
Flow Control:
Regulates the flow of data and adjusts the speed if necessary. This prevents fast data senders from overwhelming slower receivers.
Addressing and Routing:
Contains the address information required to transmit data within frames to the destination device.
Link Management:
Manages link operations such as establishing, maintaining and terminating the link.
The data link layer ensures reliable data transmission between devices that want to communicate on the same network. Protocols such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) are examples of the data link layer.
Tactical Data Link Usage Procedures?
The existing Tactical Data Link (TDL) systems used in the world have certain guarantees and are designed to provide certain traffic services. These systems do not have a flexible structure that can be adapted to new services.
Traffic transitions between existing TDL networks and other networks (terrestrial networks, satellite networks, other existing TDL networks, etc.) are only possible if special protocol converters are available. Each TDL system is designed as a closed box within itself.
For this reason, various countries are carrying out various studies to develop national TDL systems due to needs such as eliminating the limitations and weaknesses in the use of existing TDL and communication systems, using national crypto, gaining resistance against electronic jamming and regional threats, and meeting different information needs and national demands in the future operational area.
Tactical Data Link (TDL) is a network structure that has become an integral part of today's operational concept, providing instant information exchange of troops and weapon vehicles using these systems during the daily operations of Land, Naval, Air platforms and Command and Control centres.
Tactical data link refers to communication systems that are not limited to NATO use but are also used nationally in military and defence fields. These systems provide secure and fast transmission of tactical information, command and control data or instant operational developments, images or mission orders to other users between different military platforms, such as aircraft, warships, troops on the ground.
Tactical data links are used for internal communications between air, sea and land forces, as well as jointly in all other military missions. For example, in air operations, it can help real-time information sharing between fighter aircraft, reconnaissance aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. It is also used to co-ordinate between ground troops, and in naval operations it enables ships to communicate with each other and with their headquarters.
Tactical data links generally have the following characteristics:
Security: Military communications often contain sensitive and classified information, so the security of the data is of paramount importance. Tactical data links fulfil these requirements through secure encryption and other security measures.
These systems are;
1. LINK-ZA - South Africa
2. SMART DATA LINK (SDL) - Israel
3. TARAS - Sweden
4. Link-K - Korea
5. MultiLink-S - Turkey
6. Japan National Data Link - Japan
7. Link BR2 - Brazil
8. JSIDLS (JOINT SERVICE INTEGRATED DATA LINK SYSTEM) - China
9. LINK II - India
10. LINK Y MK2 - Netherlands
11. NATIONAL TDL NETWORK (NTDL) - Greece
Real Time Communication:
Real-time information exchange is critical in military operations. Tactical data links enable fast and delay-free communication, enabling instant decisions to be made.
Resistance and Durability:
Since they are used in combat conditions, tactical data links must be resistant to physical obstacles, electromagnetic interference and other adverse conditions.
Multi-Platform Support:
It should be able to provide data sharing between different types of military platforms. It can be used on different platforms from aircraft to ships to land troops.
Flexibility and Integration:
Tactical data links should be able to integrate data from different types of sensors and systems and transmit this data in a coordinated manner.
