Link 1

Link 1 is a computer network standard developed by NATO to provide information exchange for air defence.

General description

Link 1 is a point-to-point, duplex, non-encrypted, digital NATO Tactical Data Link (TDL) Standard for the automatic exchange of Track and Strobe data, combined with link and data management messages between ground based ASACS-elements / e.g. CRC and CAOC), specific units (TACCS / MC) and data link buffers (SSSB, CSI).

In everyday language, the different meaning of the wording Link 1 TDL Standard (format) and Link 1 information content (subject matter) to be transmitted on this particular TDL Standard is mixed up in many cases.

Remark:

SAM = Surface-to-air missile

History

Link 1 is a NATO first Generation’s TDL Standard. It was developed in the 1950s as pure Air Surveillance data link format in order to exchange radar track date between defined Areas of Responsibility – AOR (geographical areas) or Track Continuity Ares (TCA).

Data links first generation

NATO first generation’s TDL Standards were developed in line with the appropriate Standardization Agreement (STANAG) in the mid 1960s. These proprietary types of data formats do not support direct data and information exchange between different military IT architectures without specific conversion of data.

NATO TDL Standards are being developed by the Data Link Working Group (DLWG) of the Information Systems Sub-Committee (ISSC). See also TDL Synopsis).

Utilisation

Today the Link 1 TDL Standard is not only used by NATO nations but also in Partnership for Peace (PfP) countries. Air Force internal it supports NATO Air Defence Ground Environment (NADGE) and is used by the TACC Service, in CRC, CAOC and Air Defence.

Types of tracks

The following tracks are exchanged by Link 1 between different users of the Recognized Air Picture (RAP).

Messages

The following link messages are supported by Link 1 in the NATO Air Defense Ground Environment (NADGE):

Specification

The NATO Link 1 TDL Standard is characterised by the specification as:

Link 1 Specification Term
Reference STANAG 5501 (Ed. 4) Jan 2007
NCGX-101-IS
Standardization level NATO Data Link Standard S-series-messages
Configuration’s
controlling
- ADSC (Implementation)
- ADSIA (Standards)
Services concerned
and TACC Systems
Air Force, Army
NADGE, national weapon management systems
Messages
transmitted
1. surveillance (only air)
2. ECM-strobe-tell
3. Info-management
Message-
format
2 messages/frame
- 128 bits/frame
- 49 infobits/message
fixed message format
Message Series S-series
Number of Messages 6
Speed
of transmission
1200 bit/sec (basic speed)
600 or 2400 bit/sec (alternate speed)
Communication FSK, point-to-point FOC, Wire, Radio relay
IT-Security ECM
Encryption
NO
NO
Releasable to: - NATO
- PfP nations
- Internet
Yes
Yes
Yes

Conclusion

Link 1, as a NATO 1st generation TDL Standard, is out of date and no longer meets operational requirements. Moreover, there is no IT security of information transmitted, as the result of no Electronic countermeasure (ECM) resistance and insufficient encryption. Although Link 1 became obsolete, it was still in operation.

References

External links

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