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