Social Cognitive Advancement for the Tactical Edge (SCATE)

Tactical mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) involve various network dynamics regarding topology, mobility, interference, jamming and traffic. Network protocols (such as link state routing and its variants) currently used in tactical MANETs face serious problems of robustness and efficiency since the topological information becomes easily stale with fast network dynamics. Consequently, the emerging need to collect and exchange excessive network information increases the overhead and degrades the network performance. To address this critical need, we propose the design and implementation of SCATE (Social Cognitive Advancement for the Tactical Edge) system, which provides scalable implementation of multi-layer (communication and social) network protocols to enhance communications at the tactical edge. The key innovation of the SCATE system is to integrate eight research and development efforts: 1) heterogeneous multi-layer network modeling and analysis, 2) simulations to verify social-cognitive techniques, 3) radio programming, 4) protocol simulations, 5) radio implementation with tactical radios, 6) emulation tests, 7) field tests, and 8) transition efforts. The SCATE technology supports the Warfighter with improved situational awareness, connectivity, robust communications and network-centric mission success by providing mature radio implementation of advanced social-cognitive techniques for MANET.