Circuit Setup/Restorations

You will be checking for various signal quality characteristics, including dc distortion, audio distribution levels, frequency accuracy of RF signals, spectrum analysis and loop current. Those measurements are broad categories and can be broken down to specific tests for specific systems. You will correct all discrepancies, complete the appropriate reports, and send them to the proper authority or file them for further reference. CIRCUIT SETUP/RESTORATIONS RADAY is the start of a new 24-hour period. At that time all designated systems will restart. It can be a crypto restart, the simple methods of starting (opening) a new log, or message numbering system, starting at the number 0001. RADAY starts at 0001Z worldwide. The 0000Z time frame does not exist and WILL NOT be used. The following restart items is a rudimentary list to give the user an idea of areas and items that require restart at the beginning of the new radio day. DETERMINE COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOLS Protocols are generally set by the CINCs, area commander, Naval instructions, and local instructions. Protocols are also determined by the mission and the area of operations. COMMUNICATIONS CIRCUITS The use of communications circuits require that those circuits at various times of the day be placed online, in reserve, or taken offline. The reasons have to do with whether the circuit is needed immediately, or can be placed on ready reserve for use, or if the requirement for that particular circuit has expired. Activate Activating communications circuit usually means turning on or starting a circuit to allow for communications signals to ride (or pass) on them. When a circuit is activated, it will be logged in an active status on the status board. A circuit can be activated for any number of reasons, including special communications, overload, or installation of a new circuit path. Deactivate To terminate or deactivate a circuit is to stop using that path and remove all your equipment from that particular path. The deactivated circuit is then logged out on the status board. Standby By placing communications circuits standby, you are placing them in hold. They are ready for activation or deactivation should the need arise. Again, this type of circuit is placed on the status board so that the supervisor knows the status of each of the circuits under his control. SHIFT FREQUENCIES Shifting frequencies or changing frequencies is accomplished to allow for stronger propagation of the circuits. When the signal strength begins to decay, the operator will shift frequencies to another or stronger frequencies in accordance with naval and local instructions. TRANSMIT OR RECEIVE CRYPTOGRAPHIC KEYING MATERIAL VIA OTAT/OTAR Some of the new cryptosystems will use a 128-bit electronic key that is called over-the-air-rekey (OTAR) or over-the-air transfer (OTAT). Using this system reduces the amount of physical keying material held on board a command. The key can be extracted using a KYK-13 or KYX- 15/KYX-15A. The key is then loaded into another cryptosystem. For amplifying information, refer to Procedures Manual for Over-the-Air Transfer (OTAT) and Over- the-Air Rekey (OTAR) and Field Generation and Over- the-Air Distribution of Tactical Electronic Key, NAG- 16/TSEC. ANALYZE NETWORK CAPACITY AND RELIABILITY When trying to analyze a network’s capacity and reliability, you must first establish the criteria or level at which you wish the system to work. Does the network have set boundaries, or can it be expanded to include updated or new parameters? Many avenues can be 1-22