The TNS program: A computer simulation package for the intelsat TDMA network

The TNS (TDMA Network Simulation) program is a computer simulation package developed for the evaluation, test and analysis of all the protocols in the INTELSAT TDMA network. The TNS program faithfully simulates the dynamic operation of the network, taking account of the satellite motion, and makes it even possible to simulate the network operation under some abnormal conditions, such as terminal function failure and transponder failure. This paper describes the TNS program in terms of its design approach, its capabilities, its structure, its input and output data, and its operation. An example simulation for the whole system start-up procedure assuming the Atlantic Ocean region is also presented.