Context Aware Network Routing Optimizer with Understanding of Topology Evolution (CAN-ROUTE)

We propose the development of an innovative software tool that will automatically enhance network routing and management by leveraging known network priorities per Commander"s Intent and then plan how best to assure the delivery of mission-critical traffic; then via an intelligent awareness of the network state, the tool will robustly react to emerging and unforeseen conditions; so that network policies meet the Commander"s prioritization. We have already developed an innovative networking and planning/scheduling framework that facilitates the development of more intelligent network optimization with a mixed-initiative architecture. The tool will build upon this framework and OPNET Technologies"COTS networking tools. This combination will be augmented to handle the complex and diverse conditions found in tactical networks in order to robustly react to emerging/unforeseen conditions. Phase I goals include furthering our understanding of the current and future tactical networking domain, including user interactions and collaboration, investigating integration requirements with Navy/military systems, elaborating the heuristics, algorithms and techniques for improved tactical networking, and analyzing them as to their feasibility. Other goals include developing an initial Phase II system design, proving our approach through development of a prototype, and then revising and enhancing the Phase II system design based on prototype feedback.