Free Tactical Data Link Training

We offer several opportunities for free TDL (Tactical Data Link) learning and development through our live and recorded training sessions.  Our live, online short training sessions are scheduled periodically and are suitable for personnel with all levels of experience and knowledge — perhaps as a refresher or as a starting point for your Tactical Data Link education.

The recordings of these sessions, along with other useful TDL resources can subsequently be accessed via the SyntheSys Defence Community Portal.  The sign-up process is free and simple and gives you access to our full inventory of TDL-related downloads, resources, and tools.

Our courses are subject to United Kingdom (UK) Export Control regulations.

An Introduction to Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Link 16 – 20th November 2023

This session provides a high-level overview of the characteristics of MIDS Link 16, briefly describing the functionality of the MIDS terminal, as well as examining the capabilities provided by the Link 16 message catalogue.

Key Topics:

• History – why Link 16 came about.
• Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA).
• MIDS Frequency Hopping.
• Relay.
• Security.
• Link 16 Messages – Surveillance and Weapons.

An Introduction to Network Design

This session provides participants with an understanding of Tactical Data Links and their role in Network Design.  Through this course, participants will be introduced to the processes of how to design and implement secure and reliable TDL networks that meet the needs of modern military operations.  Participants will gain practical skills and knowledge that they can apply in real-world scenarios.  This course is ideal for military personnel, network administrators, and IT professionals who work with Tactical Data Links and want to enhance their skills and knowledge in this field.

Key Topics:

• Network Topologies.
• Network Protocols.
• Data Encryption.
• Network Security.
• Information Exchange Requirements.
• System Interoperability.
• Access to the videos, along with other useful TDL resources, can be made via the SyntheSys Defence Community Portal.  For more information or to sign up, click here.

An Introduction to Joint Range Extension Application Protocol (JREAP)

Members of the Tactical Data Link and wider defence community joined our latest FREE training session which provides a short introduction to Joint Range Extension Application Protocol (JREAP).

The course includes:

• Benefits of JRE Application Protocol (AP).
• High level technical detail of how the system works.
• Q&A session.
• Access to the videos, along with other useful TDL resources, can be made via the SyntheSys Defence Community Portal.  For more information or to sign up, click here.

An Introduction to Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS)/Link 16

This session provides a high-level overview of the characteristics of MIDS Link 16, briefly describing the functionality of the MIDS terminal, as well as examining the capabilities provided by the Link 16 message catalogue.

Key topics:

• History – why Link 16 came about.
• Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA).
• MIDS Frequency Hopping.
• Relay.
• Security.
• Link 16 Messages – Surveillance and Weapons.
• Access to the videos, along with other useful TDL resources, can be made via the SyntheSys Defence Community Portal.  For more information or to sign up, click here.

An Introduction to Link 22

This session is designed for those interested in gaining a high-level understanding of Link 22, its architecture, and the capabilities it offers.

Course Overview: Participants will be introduced to the system's architecture, its message catalogue, and insights into its vast capabilities.

Key Topics Covered:

• The rationale behind Link 22
• System Hardware Overview.
• Exploration of Media Types.
• Comparison of TDMA with MIDS TDMA.
• Link 22's Operational Architecture.
• Link 22 Planning and Management.
• Access to the videos, along with other useful TDL resources, can be made via the SyntheSys Defence Community Portal.  For more information or to sign up, click here.

An Introduction to Variable Message Format (VMF)

This session provides a high-level overview of the characteristics of VMF, briefly describing the system components, as well as examining the capabilities provided by the VMF message catalogue.

Key Topics:

• What is VMF?
• Media Types.
• VMF Bearer.
• VMF Application Header.
• VMF Messaging.
• Who uses VMF?
• Access to the videos, along with other useful TDL resources, can be made via the SyntheSys Defence Community Portal.  For more information or to sign up, click here.