Chapter 21
Chapter 21
CHAPTER 21
Telemetry Network Standard Introduction
Acronyms ................................................................................................................................. 21-iii
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List of Figures
Figure 21-1. Generalized TmNS System Diagram Showing Different Control Planes ......... 21-4
Figure 21-2. IETF Hourglass .................................................................................................. 21-5
Figure 21-3. TmNS-Specific IETF Hourglass ........................................................................ 21-5
Figure 21-4. System Management Technologies ................................................................... 21-6
Figure 21-5. Core TmNS Technologies and TmNS-Specific Protocols in the TCP/IP
Model Context ................................................................................................... 21-9
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Acronyms
DAU data acquisition unit
FTP File Transfer Protocol
HTTP Hypertext Transfer Protocol
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force
iNET integrated Network Enhanced Telemetry
IP Internet Protocol
lsb least significant bit
LTC Latency/Throughput Critical
MDL Metadata Description Language
MIB management information base
msb most significant bit
OSI Open Systems Interconnection
PCM pulse code modulation
QoS Quality of Service
RC Reliability Critical
RF radio frequency
RFC Request for Comment
SNMP Simple Network Management Protocol
TA test article
TCP Transmission Control Protocol
TmNS Telemetry Network Standard
UDP User Datagram Protocol
XML eXtensible Markup Language
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CHAPTER 21
Telemetry Network Standard Introduction
21.1 Introduction
The Telemetry Network Standard (TmNS) crosses IRIG 106, chapters 21 through 28.
This chapter introduces fundamental concepts and terminology used in the subsequent chapters.
Additionally, this chapter provides guidance as to which of the remaining chapters might be of
most interest for a particular reader. In order to guide the reader toward the chapters of further
interest, the applicable chapters are referenced throughout this chapter as it introduces concepts
and terminology. A quick synopsis of chapters 22 through 28 is provided below.
• IRIG 106 Chapter 22: Network-Based Protocol Suite
The TmNS approach leverages existing standardized Internet protocols to serve as the
core set of communication protocols. The TmNS’s network-based protocol suite and
a large portion of the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)/Internet Protocol (IP)
Protocol Suite (also known as the Internet Protocol Suite) along with other supporting
technologies (e.g., underlying data link and physical layer technologies) are described
in this chapter.
• IRIG 106 Chapter 23: Metadata Configuration
This chapter describes system configuration data for TmNS-based systems. It allows
them to be described in a common fashion, and it provides the means for describing
the configuration of the components in a telemetry system, as well as their logical and
physical interrelationships. This chapter defines a language, the Metadata Description
Language (MDL), which has a syntax that defines vocabulary and sentence structure,
while the MDL semantics provide meaning. The MDL provides a common exchange
language that facilitates the interchange of configuration information between
telemetry system components.
• IRIG 106 Chapter 24: Message Formats
The TmNS has defined several message structures unique for its use. This chapter
describes the message formats of TmNS-specific messages.
• IRIG 106 Chapter 25: Management Resources
The TmNS defines Management Resources as resources that contain application-
specific data accessible via an application layer protocol. Each TmNS application
defines a set of common resources and a set of application-specific resources. This
chapter provides details concerning the standardized application resources.
• IRIG 106 Chapter 26: TmNSDataMessage Transfer Protocol
The TmNS has defined several data transfer protocols unique for its use. This chapter
defines how TmNS-specific messages (TmNSDataMessages) are transferred between
TmNSApps.
• IRIG 106 Chapter 27: Radio Frequency (RF) Network Access Layer
This chapter defines the standard for managing the physical layer of RF links with the
RF network. The network implements an Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model
approach to data transmission, where data moves through the OSI stack from the
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application layer to the physical layer, from physical layer to physical layer through
some transmission medium, then back up the stack to another application on the
receiving side.
• IRIG 106 Chapter 28: RF Network Management
This chapter defines the mechanisms and processes for managing RF links within the
RF network.
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Not all components are required to support all interfaces. For example, a data
acquisition unit (DAU) would typically implement the management, time, and
data interfaces listed above. This architecture choice was made to minimize the
complexity of any one item and to aid the possibility of creating a broad array
of configurations.
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• Range Infrastructure Command and Control Plane (Black Network): This plane is
focused on command and control associated with the provisioning of resources
needed for a given test or set of tests within a range or across multiple ranges. It is
concerned with spectrum sharing, QoS, establishment and management of two-way
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System Management
Capabilities
Supporting
Configuration Technologies
Metadata
Identification SNMP
Inventory and
FTP
Topology
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The MDL is used for describing system configuration (Metadata) in a common fashion.
The eXtensible Markup Language (XML) schema defined by the TmNS provides the means for
describing the configuration of the components in a TmNS system as well as their logical and
physical interrelationships. The MDL is expressive enough to describe a wide variety of systems:
large and small, simple and complex, from the low-level transducer-to-measurement association
for an acquisition card on a DAU up to network topology of multiple test mission networks.
A table containing a mapping of MDL elements to relevant paragraphs of the TmNS
(IRIG 106 Chapters 21-28) is contained in Chapter 23 Appendix 23-B. This table can be used by
a reader of the standard to identify the MDL elements that correspond to particular paragraphs or
to identify the paragraphs that correspond to particular MDL elements.
Further details concerning this topic are found in Chapter 23.
By using the system management capabilities, TmNS-compliant components can be
configured, reconfigured, controlled, and statused in an interoperable way.
A typical way to utilize the system management capabilities is to provide a
system manager. This kind of user application provides monitoring,
controlling, configuring, coordinating, and visualizing the operations of a
system built based on the TmNS. System manager users are typically able to
obtain system and device-level status, including status of TA instrumentation
and information about local and system-wide network performance (expected
versus actual). Additionally, the display of a system manager typically
provides an indication of system health and details of any fault conditions
detected within the TmNS system.
21.2.2.3 Time
Time within an entire TmNS-based system is distributed using IEEE 1588-20081, also
known as Precision Time Protocol Version 2. Time within a TmNS system is delivered without
the addition of any wires.
Further details concerning this topic are found in Chapter 22.
All TmNS-compliant network switches can be synchronized to an external time
source (e.g., Global Positioning System) and act as 1588 master clocks for a
local network within the TmNS network (e.g., red TA network, black TA
network, etc.).
1
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. IEEE Standard for a Precision Clock Synchronization Protocol
for Networked Measurement and Control Systems. IEEE 1588-2008. Geneva: International Electrotechnical
Commission, 2008.
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21.2.2.5 Routing
Routing is the process of selecting best paths in a network. The TmNS annotates IETF
standards concerning a typical routed IP network. Using the classic routed IP architecture
enables a variety of advanced capabilities, including relay, and other capabilities that have not
yet been explored.
Further details concerning this topic are found in Chapter 22 and Chapter 23.
Just as in large-scale networks (e.g., the Internet) the components within a
TmNS-based network are not aware about the network path that is used to
deliver data from one node to another. All a given component needs to know is
its next hop. This means that components that transport data within the TmNS
system need to support these classic routing concepts, including TmNS-
compliant radios, which are network routers themselves. As such, radios in
general can route data to any other radio within reach at any time.
21.2.2.7 Security
The TmNS is architected with a variety of security mechanisms in order to meet a
particular program’s needs. The TmNS security mechanisms are segmented into mechanisms
that secure the data transfer from the TAs to the ground (i.e., from one secure enclave to
another), as well as for securing other types of communications where the information is not
classified, but can be sensitive from an operational perspective.
Communications between secure enclaves (e.g., TAs and mission control) are protected
via National Security Agency-approved type-1 security mechanisms that mitigate the anticipated
threats. The RF communications are protected via FIPS-140-2 mechanisms.
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Additional security mechanisms used to protect data within a TmNS system include:
• Secure Sockets Layer (SSL): used as a security mechanism for transferring data over
HTTP and FTP.
• SNMP v3: needed for secure SNMP communications within a TmNS system. It
supports both authentication and privacy.
Further details concerning this topic are found in Chapter 22.
Radio Access
Client / Server Apps Data Transfer Apps
Network Apps
Application 23 24
MDL Instance Document TmNS Messages 24 RF Network Messages
Layer HTTP FTP SNMP DNS
25 Management Resources Data Channel Protocols 26 RF Net Mgmt Protocols 28
PTP RTSP TLS RTP SIP LTC and RC Protocols 26
Transport
TCP UDP No TmNS-Specific Transport Layer Protocols
Layer
Wireless
RF Link Layer 28
Network Ethernet
Access Layer Technologies
RF Physical Layer 27
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AES Cryptographic Algorithm: This Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) block cipher
encryption algorithm, described in detail in FIPS PUB 1972, is recommended by the
National Security Agency in order to provide an adequate protection mechanism for the
communication link.
Agent: A Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) process that provides SNMP-based
ManagementResources on a NetworkNode or NetworkDevice.
Attached Synchronization Marker (ASM): A specific bit pattern preceding each low-density
parity-check codeblock group to aid codeblock frame synchronization.
Bit Error Rate: The ratio of the number of bits incorrectly received to the total number of bits
sent during a specific time interval.
Black (or Blackside): A portion of a network that is not physically protected (not secure) with
respect to another portion of the network. Sensitive data that traverses this network must
be protected by encryption.
Burst: The time interval of RF emission, from start to end in a time-division multiplex media
access scheme.
Burst Preamble: A specific bit pattern transmitted at the beginning of a burst to facilitate
carrier frequency symbol timing acquisition.
Burst Sequence: The burst information field structure.
Burst Synchronization: Involves the acquisition and tracking of the signal carrier(s), the
symbols/bits, the frames, or codeblocks from a recovered clock at the receiver.
Carrier Frequency Error: Uplink and downlink frequency error bounds established for single-
carrier SOQPSK-TG waveform.
Codeblock: The minimum quanta of a fixed LDPC codeword block that consists of 4,096
information bits or 6144 coded bits with 2/3 LDPC code rate.
Codeblock Frame: A variable PHY frame unit that consists of a minimum of one LDPC
codeblock and up to maximum of eight LDPC codeblocks. It is preceded by an attached
synchronization marker (ASM).
DataDeliveryControlChannel: The common elements of the communication mechanisms for
the setup, tear-down, and operation of the RC and LTC Delivery Protocols. See Chapter
26.
DataChannel: Identifies a network connection used to transport TmNSDataMessages between a
DataSource and a DataSink.
DataSink: A TmNSApp that consumes TmNSDataMessages that contain MeasurementData.
Identified as the data-consuming portion of a ResourceClient or ResourceServer.
DataSource: A TmNSApp that produces TmNSDataMessages that contain MeasurementData.
Identified as the data-producing portion of a ResourceClient or ResourceServer.
2
National Institute of Standards and Technology. “Specification for the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).”
FIPS PUB 197. 26 November 2001. Superseded by NIST FIPS 197-upd1. Retrieved 23 June 2023. Superseding
document available at https://safe.menlosecurity.com/https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.FIPS.197-upd1.
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Red (or Redside): A portion of a network that is physically protected (secure) with respect to
another portion of the network. Sensitive data may be communicated within this
protected enclave without need for encryption.
Relay: Hierarchical TDMA node structure that allows Test Article to act as a relay node to
extend communication link ranges by facilitating nearby Test Articles to join the network
and by linking communications between TDMA controllers.
Reliability Critical (RC) Delivery Protocol: The TmNS-specific application-level method of
delivering TmNSDataMessages via Transmission Control Protocol (TCP).
ResourceChannel: Identifies a network connection used to transport ResourceRequests and
ResourceResponses between a ResourceClient and a ResourceServer.
ResourceClient: A TmNSApp that generates ResourceRequests and may incorporate the
DataSource and/or DataSink functionality.
ResourceInterface: A software interface used by TMAs to access ManagementResources. The
standard currently supports an SNMP-based interface and an HTTP-based interface for
accessing different ManagementResources.
ResourceRequest: Request to access a specific ManagementResource and is generated by a
ResourceClient.
ResourceResponse: Returns information in response to a ResourceRequest regarding a specific
ManagementResource and is generated by a ResourceServer.
ResourceServer: A TMA that receives and processes ResourceRequests, generates
ResourceResponses, and may incorporate the DataSource and/or DataSink functionality.
RF Network: The segment of a TmNS Network that provides network connectivity over RF
interfaces between Test Article Networks and Ground Station Networks.
RF Network Message (RFNM): A network-independent structure that contains control or
status information regarding RF Network conditions.
RoleID: A string that refers to the role of a TMA.
SOQPSK-TG Waveform: An RCC-TG-defined variant of MIL-STD-188/181A ternary
continuous phase modulated single-carrier waveform established to achieve spectrum
efficiency and robustness.
Spectral Mask: Requirement for RF emission spectrum containment for single-carrier
SOQPSK-TG waveform.
Telemetry Network Standard (TmNS): Another name for IRIG 106 Chapters 21-28.
Test Article: A vehicle infrastructure that, at a minimum, consists of on-board antenna, Serial
Streaming Telemetry (SST), and test article network infrastructures.
Test Article Network: A TmNS Network that interconnects connected NetworkNodes physically
residing on a test article.
Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA): A Time-Division Duplex scheme (TDD) to separate
uplink and downlink transmission signals. TDMA emulates full-duplex communication
over a half-duplex link.
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As part of the integrated Network Enhanced Telemetry (iNET) program, the TmNS and
specifications were developed to guide the development of the system and the interoperability
between the components. The goal of the TmNS is to promote an open system architecture and
interoperability across component vendors by defining functional system interfaces. The intent of
the specifications is to define the system, hardware, software, testing, and performance
requirements associated with the TmNS Demonstration System and each of the components
within the TmNS Demonstration System. As such, the requirements contained in each
component specification largely reference back to the TmNS. It is important to note that the
specifications were developed in preparation for the TmNS Demonstration System and, while
they are suited for other systems implementing the TmNS, a range may decide to tailor these
specifications to meet their specific needs.
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APPENDIX 21-A
3
Internet Engineering Task Force. “Key Words for Use in RFCs to Indicate Requirement Level.” RFC 2119. March
1997. Updated by RFC 8174. Retrieved 23 June 2023. Available at https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/rfc2119/.
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4
Internet Engineering Task Force. “Structure of Management Information Version 2 (SMIv2).” April 1999. May be
superseded or amended by update. Retrieved 23 June 2023. Available at https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/rfc2578/.
5
Internet Engineering Task Force. “Textual Conventions for SMIv2.” RFC 2579. April 1999. May be superseded or
amended by update. Retrieved 23 June 2023. Available at https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/rfc2579/.
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6
World Wide Web Consortium. “Declaration Components” in XML Schema Part 1: Structures Second Edition. 28
October 2004. May be superseded by update. Retrieved 23 June 2023. Available at
http://www.w3.org/TR/xmlschema-1/#Declarations_Summary.
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APPENDIX 21-B
Examples:
3'b101
32'h12345678
20'h1C (20'h0001C)
11'd123 (11'b00001111011)
This bit field syntax is a subset of the Verilog Hardware
Description Language syntax for representing numbers.
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APPENDIX 21-C
Citations
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. IEEE Standard for a Precision Clock
Synchronization Protocol for Networked Measurement and Control Systems. IEEE 1588-
2008. Geneva: International Electrotechnical Commission, 2008.
Internet Engineering Task Force. “Key Words for Use in RFCs to Indicate Requirement Level.”
RFC 2119. March 1997. Updated by RFC 8174. Retrieved 23 June 2023. Available at
https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/rfc2119/.
———. “Structure of Management Information Version 2 (SMIv2).” RFC 2578. April 1999.
May be superseded or amended by update. Retrieved 23 June 2023. Available at
https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/rfc2578/.
———. “Textual Conventions for SMIv2.” RFC 2579. April 1999. May be superseded or
amended by update. Retrieved 23 June 2023. Available at
https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/rfc2579/.
National Institute of Standards and Technology. “Specification for the Advanced Encryption
Standard (AES).” FIPS PUB 197. 26 November 2001. Superseded by NIST FIPS 197-
upd1. Retrieved 23 June 2023. Superseding document available at
https://safe.menlosecurity.com/https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.FIPS.197-upd1.
World Wide Web Consortium. “Declaration Components” in XML Schema Part 1: Structures
Second Edition. 28 October 2004. May be superseded by update. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
Available at http://www.w3.org/TR/xmlschema-1/#Declarations_Summary.
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