anywhere from 40 to 241 kilometers, and are interconnected via cable, troposcatter radio, HF
radio, LOS radio, SATCOM, or a combination. The planning goal is for each area node to be
connected to four other area nodes to permit alternate routing of communications if one or more
nodes become inoperative. The key equipment at the area node is the AN/TTC-39 automatic
circuit switch. This switch performs the same basic function as the node switch in the MSE
network, and also provides rapid and reliable switching support for subscribers at the node.
c. Although the TCS(A) is primarily an area system, experiences in Operation Desert
Storm showed that command links are still important, especially when exceptional distances and
high mobility are experienced. Command links should be designed to provide direct
connectivity between major commanders, and should interconnect those locations from where
the commander will control his portion of the battle. These links rely on long-haul SATCOM,
troposcatter, and HF radios. Typical TCS(A) command links are illustrated in Figure 1-45. In
this example, command links from the theater army headquarters to other command headquarters
are established via SATCOM (AN/TSC-85B and AN/TSC-93B). EAC access to each corps is
via a corps area node, identified as a corps entry point.
d. The theater signal command (Army) (TSC(A)) is responsible for providing
communications support to the theater army at EAC. The TSC(A) is a major functional
command of the theater army. The TSC(A) usually consists of two to five theater signal
brigades. Figure 1-46, page 1-56, illustrates a typical TSC(A). The actual number of signal
brigades will depend on the size and mission of the theater army. The theater signal brigade is
not a set organization, but is formed, deployed, and organized based on requirements within the
theater of operations. The TSC(A) is tailored by grouping various signal units (building block
companies as shown in Figure 1-46, page 1-56) together under a command and control element
to form a signal organization that provides the needed communications support.
2.
Predeployment Planning. The successful design of a communications network, to
include TRITAC systems, must be detailed and coordinated. The process involves network
planning, network design, transmission systems engineering, and circuit switch systems
engineering.
a. Network planning involves those actions that must take place before engineering
begins. The network managers direct the effort to develop a communications plan to provide
reliable, quality communications. The planning process begins when the mission statement is
received from higher headquarters.
(1) The first step is to define the mission. This helps define what communications
assets are required and the environment in which they will be required to operate.
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