A Model for Evaluating Communications Satellite Interoperability.

This project describes a model with which emergency communications planners can evaluate the potential interoperability of satellite systems. Based on minimum communications requirements set forth by the Commercial Satellite Survivability Task Force of the National Telecommunications Advisory Committee, the model addresses the technical considerations involved in system interoperability and provides the basis for further study. This paper addresses the need for finding techniques to implement an interoperable network of commercial satellites to augment our national securityemergency preparedness communications. Commercial satellite networks play an increasingly important role in providing essential communications during peacetime. They offer the means to quickly restore damaged or destroyed communications to isolated parts of the country during times of national security stress. However, the use of different technical methods by system operators presents major roadblocks to network interoperability.