b. The multichannel radio network (ATACS). The battalion headquarters has access to the
division communications system through a multichannel terminal team, which is provided by the
division signal battalion. The terminal team positions itself near the battalion CP switchboard to access
the battalion into the division area common user system (ACUS). Cable furnished by the division signal
battalion is installed by the terminal team and battalion communications section personnel.
4.
MSE. MSE is currently being fielded to both active and reserve component Army units. It is
replacing the ATACS located at corps and division and was developed because of the need to modernize
tactical communications. MSE is an ACUS that provides commanders and staff personnel at corps and
division with secure, automatic digitized voice, data, and facsimile communications to both static and
mobile users.
a. The MSE network at division can be described as a nodal switch system. Node centers are
deployed from the division signal battalion to form a backbone network to provide geographic and area
coverage. The division signal battalion currently has the capability to deploy a maximum of four node
centers.
b. Large extension nodes (LEN) and small extension nodes (SEN) extend from the node centers
to provide units and command posts with access to the network. The headquarters of the air defense
battalion will be provided wire access into the MSE network through a SEN switch (V2) and the
associated line-of-sight (LOS) radio terminal (AN/TRC-190). The equipment and soldiers are from an
extension platoon from an area signal company of the division signal battalion. An example of a
division MSE network is depicted in Figure 2-12, page 2-12. Four node center, represented by the
symbol of a triangle inside a circle, are deployed. SENs, symbolized by a circle with an X inside a
rectangle, represent divisional units. The air defense battalion is represented by an inverted crescent
inside a rectangle in the lower left of Figure 2-12. As illustrated in the diagram, the air defense battalion
is connected to a node center, represented by the solid line drawn from the battalion SEN to a node
center, to access the MSE network.
c. The SEN normally consists of:
(1) One AN/TTC-48 (V1) or (V2) small extension node switch (SENS). The SENS provides
local switching and network access for either 26 subscribers (V1) or 41 subscribe (V2).
(2) A LOS AN/TRC-190 (V1) radio assemblage.
(3) Support vehicles and generators.
2-11
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