DAMA/IW – Demand Assigned Multiple Access & Integrated Waveform

DAMA/IW

Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA) and IW (integrated waveform) is a protocol used in satellite communications predominantly within the defense and military sector. DAMA is often used in military environments due to the relative simplicity of implementation, ease of modeling, and the fact that military usage profiles are a very good fit. The protocol enables efficient and instantaneous assignment of transponder channels on a first-come, first-served basis according to data priority.

Our Radio Protocol Stack is used in data and voice tactical radio systems using e.g., military communication satellites.

The technology is frequently employed in military settings because it is relatively easy to implement and model, and it aligns well with military usage profiles. In military Satcom, DAMA offers the additional benefit of operating in a bent pipe environment, eliminating the need for specialized security or coordination hardware on the satellite. This enables repeated upgrades to the master and slave ground stations to enhance security and compression without necessitating costly satellite replacements.