The objective of this proposal is to research, develop, and prototype a lightweight network planning tool with an embedded modeling and simulation capability to support future Army tactical communications networks. This new lightweight tool will be notebook computer-based, allowing soldiers on the battlefield to quickly analyze the combined effects of network topology, terrain, propagation, and node mobility to perform dynamic network planning and course of action studies. The Armys Objective Force (OF) and Future Combat Systems (FCS) Programs will enable the Warfighter to conduct network-centric warfare with multiple communications assets to achieve information superiority and mission success. A lightweight, simple to use, network planning tool will enable the Warfigther to design and provision tactical mobile ad hoc networks, rapidly validate and verify networks on the move, and study alternative courses of action based on the battle plan, node mobility, situational awareness, RF propagation, and terrain data. Modeling and simulation (M&S) offers many benefits to the DoD including the ability to evaluate and optimize C4ISR systems in a variety of pre- and post-deployment scenarios. Currently, there is no available COTS M&S software that can effectively utilize terrain, propagation, node mobility, weather, network topology, and traffic data to support the Armys requirements for rapid network planning using a lightweight, field deployable PC. OPNETs proposal focuses on approaches to solve this problem (based on simulation techniques and non-simulation based point tools) and also describes key attributes of the prototype Terrain Aware Network Planning Tool that will result from this Phase I SBIR program.
Benefits: The successful conclusion of Phase I will result in a demonstrable prototype Terrain Aware Network Planning Tool that addresses many of DoDs anticipated requirements (i.e., lightweight, portable, easy to use, and capable of rapid, dynamic network planning to support C4ISR operations and communications on the move). The R&D that results from this Phase I project will provide a significant enhancement to OPNETs COTS product line, providing customers with lightweight, portable communications network planning technology that will combine communications effects (topology, terrain, propagation, weather, foliage, etc.) with embedded modeling and simulation to rapidly design and validate mobile and fixed wireless networks. This capability does not exist today for wireless networks and will be of great value to the Department of Defense, commercial and federal enterprise customers, and will have direct application in warfare simulation and C4ISR system optimization. In addition, the R&D that results from this Phase I project is directly applicable to the following dual use commercial applications: · Enterprise networks · Public access networks · Emerging wearable personal computing and wireless communications technologies · Fire/safety/rescue communications networks · Mobile IP networking · MANETs · Transportation networks · Personal communications networks
Keywords: Terrain Aware Network Planning Future Combat Systems Objective Force Embedded Modeling and Simulation C4ISR Planning, Optimization, and 3D Visualization Notebook Computer Based Network Planner Mobile Ad Hoc Wireless Networks Hybrid Simulation in OPNET