Performance assessment of the Tactical Network Analysis and Planning System Plus (TNAPS+) automated planning tool for C4I systems

摘要

The Joint Staff established the Tactical Network Analysis and Planning System Plus (TNAPS+) as the interim joint communications planning and management system. The Marines Command and Control Systems Course and the Army's Joint Task Force System Planning Course both utilize TNAPS+ to conduct tactical C41 network planning in their course requirements. This thesis is a Naval Postgraduate School C41 curriculum practical application of TNAPS+ in an expeditionary Joint Task Force environment, focusing on planning tactical C41 system networks based on a case study of Exercise Tandem Thrust in Australia. In addition to manual tools and historical precedents, automation software enables the C41 system integration planner to rapidly plan networks to meet user requirements during deliberate or crisis action planning efforts. System architecture products derived from TNAPS+ planning can be used at the network or nodal level and exported to Annex K Communications planning documents. This thesis presents an overview of the TNAPS+ software product, implementation and performance and reveals areas for improved performance as well as identifying other network planning tools that can be used in concert with TNAPS+.