Sensitivity Analysis of Tactical Wireless Network Design Under Realistic Operational Constraints

2026-05-04

AI Summary

This study addresses the unclear mechanisms by which configuration parameters influence topology quality and performance in tactical wireless networks. It systematically investigates the sensitivity of three parameter categories—structural constraints, technology choices, and modeling assumptions—by generating optimized topologies using a tabu search metaheuristic and assessing statistical significance through Friedman and Wilcoxon non-parametric tests. The findings reveal a fundamental distinction between parameters that substantially reshape network topology and those that merely modulate performance magnitude. Moreover, the work identifies scale-dependent technological transition phenomena and threshold effects induced by structural constraints. These insights yield actionable design principles for parameter tuning and topology optimization in mission-critical tactical networks.

Abstract

The design of tactical wireless networks reflects a complex interplay among structural constraints, technological choices, and underlying modeling assumptions. Although optimization-based approaches have been widely explored, the impact of configuration parameters on network topology quality and overall performance is still not fully understood. This paper presents a comprehensive sensitivity analysis of tactical wireless network design under realistic operational constraints. It systematically investigates three categories of parameters: (i) structural topology rules, including master hub selection; (ii) technological factors such as antenna beamwidth; and (iii) modeling parameters embedded in the objective formulation. Optimized topologies are produced using a Tabu Search metaheuristic, and statistical analyses based on the Friedman and Wilcoxon tests are performed to assess the significance of observed variations across different network sizes. The findings reveal scale-dependent technological transitions and threshold effects in structural constraints. The analysis differentiates parameters that fundamentally reshape network topology from those that primarily influence performance magnitude. Together, these insights provide practical guidance for parameter tuning and topology configuration in mission-critical tactical wireless deployments.

Problem

• tactical wireless networks
• sensitivity analysis
• operational constraints
• network topology
• configuration parameters

Innovation

• sensitivity analysis
• tactical wireless networks
• Tabu Search
• topology optimization
• operational constraints