Link-ZA
{{Short description|Tactical data link system}}
{{Use South African English|date=September 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
Link-ZA (also "Link ZA" or "LinkZA") is a tactical data link system used by the South African National Defence Force. It is the data communication component of the "Combat Net Interoperability Standard" (CNIS). Development began in the early 1990s when South Africa acquired a wide variety of high technology defence equipment such as Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, BAE Hawk lead-in fighter trainers, Valour-class frigates and other weapons systems. Because South Africa was not able to acquire the NATO standard Link-16 system an indigenous system was developed.{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6184:zz&catid=79:fact-files&Itemid=159 |title=Fact file: Link ZA |publisher=defenceWeb |date=2010-01-18 |accessdate=2014-07-26}}{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceiq.com/defence-technology/articles/south-africa-joins-the-tdl-club/ |title=South Africa joins the TDL club |first=Richard |last=de Silva |publisher=Defenceiq.com |date=2012-03-15 |accessdate=2014-07-26}}
Features
Link-ZA is a multi-platform secure network protocol operating over HF, VHF or UHF radio or satellite link. It uses TDMA and CSMA to establish links and share data with up to 31 active nodes and an unlimited number of passive nodes. Static or dynamic routing tables are supported. Link-ZA node controllers have store and forward capability to transfer data between different radio nets. A node controller can access multiple radios and automatically select the most appropriate link.{{cite web|url=http://www.reutechcomms.com/linkza/ |title=LINKZA |publisher=Reutechcomms.com |date= 26 September 2013|accessdate=2014-07-26}}
References
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= Further sources =
- {{cite journal |journal=Journal of Battlefield Technology|volume= 14 |number=3 |date=November 2011 |first1=Corné J. |last1=Smith |first2=Jacobus P. |last2=Venter |title=A Case Study of the Development of a SANDF Tactical Data Link Network Enabling Capability |url=http://researchspace.csir.co.za/dspace/bitstream/10204/5355/1/Smith4_2011.pdf |issn=1440-5113 |publisher=Argos Press |oclc=761453648}}
- {{cite web|first=Brett |last=van Niekerk |url=http://is.ukzn.ac.za/ist/information%20security/B%20van%20Niekerk%20-%20Interoperability%20in%20CNO%20and%20EW.pdf |title=Interoperability in CNO and EW: Considerations for the African Continent |publisher=School of Information Systems and Technology - University of KwaZulu-Natal |date= |accessdate=2014-08-02}}
- {{cite web|first1=Arno |last1=Duvenhage |first2=Luther |last2=Terblanche |url=http://researchspace.csir.co.za/dspace/bitstream/10204/2459/1/Duvenhage1_2008.pdf |title=The Evolution of a C2 Protocol Gateway |publisher=Council for Scientific and Industrial Research |place=Pretoria |accessdate=2014-08-02}}
- {{cite news|first=Leon |last=Engelbrecht |url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25522 |title=Movement with Radiate? |publisher=defenceWeb |date=2012-05-12 |accessdate=2014-08-02}}
- {{cite conference|url=http://researchspace.csir.co.za/dspace/bitstream/10204/3163/1/Nel2_2007.pdf |author1=Nel, J. J. |author2=le Roux, W. H. |author3=van der Schyf, O. |author4=Mostert, M. |date=2007 |title=Modelling Joint Air Defence Doctrinal Issues with a LinkZA-based Integration of two C2 Simulators – A Case Study |conference=2007 Military Information and Communications Symposium of South Africa (MICSSA) - 23-26 July 2007 |place=CSIR Conference Centre, Pretoria, South Africa}}
- {{cite news|last=Engelbrecht |first=Leon |url=http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=119406 |title=SA should leverage advantage from military datalink |publisher=ITWeb |date=2006-11-28 |accessdate=2014-08-02}}
Category:Military communications
Category:Military radio systems
Category:Post–Cold War military equipment of South Africa
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