Translation & Bridging – VR-Exchange

The Interoperability Portal

VR-Exchange is a universal translator for distributed simulation. With VR-Exchange, you can link together simulations that use different HLA RTIs, different object models, and even different protocols.  

• DIS-to-HLA translation
• RTI-to-RTI bridging
• FOM-to-FOM translation
• DIS or HLA-to-TENA translation
• Supports systems of systems architecture
• Easy to use
• Optimized for performance
• Open architecture — custom brokers can support other protocols
• LVC integration
• HLA 1.3, HLA IEEE 1516, and HLA Evolved support

The Need for Bridging

In some cases, bridging is necessary because it is not practical to get everyone to agree on a protocol, HLA FOM or RTI, or TENA LROM. In other cases, bridging is needed because a system architect wants to implement a hierarchical “federation of federations” design. Bridging is often needed to support large-scale Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) integration, or to support Simulation-to-C4I interoperability. For all of these cases, VR-Exchange can provide the solution.  

Exceptionally Easy to Use

VR-Exchange lets you create and configure all aspects of a connection with a few simple clicks of a mouse. Even tasks like configuring which RTI to use can be accomplished through the intuitive GUI. Not only can you make connections to different LVC components, you can temporarily suspend connections and disconnect from a federation with a single click.  

Built-in Translation

Brokers for DIS, HLA 1.3, HLA IEEE 1516, HLA Evolved, and TENA are included in VR-Exchange. The HLA and TENA Brokers leverage MÄK’s VR-Link® FOM and LROM Mapping infrastructure, allowing you to configure them for custom object models. The HLA Brokers can also be configured for different RTIs, simply by pointing at the appropriate shared libraries.