Link-ZA

Tactical data link system

Link-ZA (also "Link ZA" or "LinkZA") is a tactical data link system used by the South African National Defence Force. It is the data communication component of the "Combat Net Interoperability Standard" (CNIS). Development began in the early 1990s when South Africa acquired a wide variety of high technology defence equipment such as Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, BAE Hawk lead-in fighter trainers, Valour-class frigates and other weapons systems. Because South Africa was not able to acquire the NATO standard Link-16 system an indigenous system was developed.[1][2]

## Features

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Link-ZA is a multi-platform secure network protocol operating over HF, VHF or UHF radio or satellite link. It uses TDMA and CSMA to establish links and share data with up to 31 active nodes and an unlimited number of passive nodes. Static or dynamic routing tables are supported. Link-ZA node controllers have store and forward capability to transfer data between different radio nets. A node controller can access multiple radios and automatically select the most appropriate link.[3]

## References

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1. ^ "Fact file: Link ZA". defenceWeb. 18 January 2010. Retrieved 26 July 2014.
2. ^ de Silva, Richard (15 March 2012). "South Africa joins the TDL club". Defenceiq.com. Retrieved 26 July 2014.
3. ^ "LINKZA". Reutechcomms.com. 26 September 2013. Retrieved 26 July 2014.

### Further sources

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* Smith, Corné J.; Venter, Jacobus P. (November 2011). "A Case Study of the Development of a SANDF Tactical Data Link Network Enabling Capability" (PDF). Journal of Battlefield Technology. 14 (3). Argos Press. ISSN 1440-5113. OCLC 761453648.
* van Niekerk, Brett. "Interoperability in CNO and EW: Considerations for the African Continent" (PDF). School of Information Systems and Technology - University of KwaZulu-Natal. Retrieved 2 August 2014.
* Duvenhage, Arno; Terblanche, Luther. "The Evolution of a C2 Protocol Gateway" (PDF). Pretoria: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. Retrieved 2 August 2014.
* Engelbrecht, Leon (12 May 2012). "Movement with Radiate?". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2 August 2014.
* Nel, J. J.; le Roux, W. H.; van der Schyf, O.; Mostert, M. (2007). Modelling Joint Air Defence Doctrinal Issues with a LinkZA-based Integration of two C2 Simulators – A Case Study (PDF). 2007 Military Information and Communications Symposium of South Africa (MICSSA) - 23-26 July 2007. CSIR Conference Centre, Pretoria, South Africa.
* Engelbrecht, Leon (28 November 2006). "SA should leverage advantage from military datalink". ITWeb. Retrieved 2 August 2014.

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