(U) Multiplexer Integration and DCSS (Digital Communications Satellite Subsystem) Automation System (MIDAS)

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)

Overview: (U)
U) The Multiplexer Integration and DCSS (Digital Communications Satellite Subsystem) Automation System (MIDAS) program will improve and expand tactical Satellite Communications (SATCOM) access to standardized strategic services by providing more efficient and cost-effective multiplexing and switching functions in support of the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) Standardized Tactical Entry Points (STEP). The primary role of MIDAS within the STEP, is to provide multiplexing and switching functions while occupying substantially less floor-space than the current equipment it replaces. MIDAS will replace several types of existing discrete multiplexers and TRANSEC devices by emulating the functions of those units.  MIDAS also replaces numerous manually-operated patching racks and automates the routing of traffic within the STEP site, providing more responsive support to rapidly-changing deployed Defense Information Systems Network (DISN) requirements. Backward compatibility with fielded Ground Mobile Forces (GMF) equipment will thus be maintained, and supportability problems resulting from the aging equipment inventory will be eliminated.  MIDAS also replaces numerous manually-operated patching racks and automates the routing of traffic within the STEP site, providing more responsive support to rapidly-changing deployed DISN requirements.  MIDAS will include non-proprietary expandability features, allowing growth in capacity and the addition of evolving state-of-the-art capabilities.

Description: (U)
(U) Housed in no more than four standard racks, MIDAS will eliminate scores of discrete chassis-level components typically found at gateway sites. The heart of MIDAS is its switching function, a virtual "connectivity grid" into which pools of application modules such as multiplexers, TRANSEC modules, input/output interface elements, transcoders, and signal format translators may be plugged. It will be possible for virtually any circuit path, within the capabilities of the installed application modules, to be established by the switching function. First and second level multiplexers will be configured in tandem with appropriate insertion of TRANSEC key generators if required by the communication mission.

(U) Circuit management automation is another key MIDAS function. The MIDAS operator will be able to configure all of the DSCS circuits passing through the STEP site from a keyboard, and he can store a number of "canned" routing scenarios to be quickly invoked in response to a surge in demand for service. MIDAS will be the principal baseband circuit management intermediary between the STEP site terminal modems and the DISN point-of-presence at the colocated Integrated Digital Network Exchanges (IDNX) and Intgrated Tactical-Strategic Data Network (ITSDN) routers.

(U) MIDAS performance characterisitics include:
- (U) Performs multiplex and patch functions for STEP 
- (U) TD-1337(V)1 & TD-1389(P)(V)1 interoperability 
- (U) FCC-98/DS1 submux interoperability 
- (U) T1/E1, T2/E2, Functional T1, and DSO multiplexing 
- (U) Timeplex interface interoperability 
- (U) Compatibility with selected SMU/TRITAC functions 
- (U) PCM to CVSD conversion 
- (U) High-speed multiplexing functions with aggregate to 16 Mbps 
- (U) Voice and digital data patching for all muliplexers and encryption functions 
- (U) Compression/transcoding capability 
- (U) Secure oderwire interface 
- (U) Redundancy with automatic switchover capability 
- (U) Remote control and remote alarm features 
- (U) Open system architecture for future functions

User Impact: (U)
(U) The flexibility and open architecture of MIDAS will enable a vital and dynamic bridge to be formed between deployed legacy SHF SATCOM systems and the evolving DISN, always ready to embrace changing missions, technological advancements, and MILSATCOM architectural visions.

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Programmed.
	(U) IOC: 06/1999 (3QFY1999).
	(U) FOC: 01/2000 (2QFY2000).

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) DSCS II, DSCS III, DSCS Service Life Enhance Prog

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) Other Terminals

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) MILSATCOM.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) DoD.

Date of Information: (U)
21 November 1997

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)