Multi-Link Service Gateway
Northrop Grumman’s Multi-Link Service Gateway (MLSG), a modular, scalable multi-link processor, provides full Tactical Data Link (TDL) capability for Link 16, Link 22, Link 11 and/or Variable Message Format (VMF). Designed as an upgrade for existing platforms, MLSG is suitable for individual or multi-link implementation in maritime, land, and headquarters installations.
The MLSG currently processes Joint Range Extension Application Protocol (JREAP) A, B and C; Link 16; Link 11; and a full complement of close air support VMF messages. Link 22 is the next planned capability, based on proven and existing components. By delivering full gateway functionality among installed links, MLSG offers an incremental upgrade path for existing investments in Link 11 platforms. Newer Link 22 or Link 16 platforms can be added to operations while still using Link 11 in older platforms in a multi-link network.
Proven Performance
Northrop Grumman is the only U.S. vendor of Link 22 processing recognized by the Link 22 international program office. As a result, all of the Link 22 message sets are coded and available.
The MLSG is based on Northrop Grumman’s Gateway Manager (GM), which has been fielded on several U.S. and foreign military platforms, including Battle Control System-Fixed and FLOres Ralus Komsys (Switzerland).
A proven COTS product, the GM has been certified by the Joint Interoperability Test Command as a multi-link forwarder for JREAP A, B and C; Link 16; Link 11 and Link 11B.
The Link Management and Control capability within MLSG is based on Northrop Grumman’s Link Management Systems (LMS™-11 and LMS™-16), in use around the world and deployed on the USS Stennis, Nimitz, JFK and Enterprise.
Reliable Hardware
The MLSG hardware configuration offers a low-risk solution. Required hardware interfaces have been developed and certified on other programs. Based on COTS products, MLSG’s open architecture uses standard interfaces.
Common TDL Interface
The MLSG system offers a common middleware solution from multi-TDL networks to host systems. A key attribute of this architecture is a common host interface. Incoming TDL messages are normalized into a common link-neutral format. New TDLs are easily added because all TDL data, regardless of the source, are presented to the host in this common link-neutral format. The extensibility of this architecture is based on the generic nature of the link-neutral transactional model. New TDL messages are added as transactions in the same format as existing messages, while new TDL fields are added as attributes within the transaction.
MLSG is adaptable to platform-specific requirements and will provide reliable and affordable performance.