High Assurance SATCOM Policy-based Network Management

ABSTRACT: Operational management of tactical SATCOM networks is beset with a number of technical and administrative challenges, namely: customizable management control, fast network planning and configuration, capacity scarce SATCOM links requiring dynamic spectrum management and QoS management, and finally robust network configuration and planning that assures that the SATCOM is resilient to faults and outages. In order to meet the challenges listed above, there is a need for Policy Based Network Management (PBNM) tools specifically architected for satellite networks. The combined SNT and Telcordia team proposes to build a PBNM Tool for Satellite Networks termed as P-3, which will include cutting-edge network management and performance optimization techniques for satellite networks. The P3 architecture will also include a"faster than real-time"simulation engine that will enable network management policies to be evaluated against a high fidelity satellite network simulation model for high assurance before being applied to the live system. In Phase 1, we will focus on evaluating existing and projected SATCOM networks for capacity, connectivity, and QoS characteristics via the use of high fidelity simulation models of the satellite networks. Based on our findings, we shall develop a high-level architecture and design of P-3 that will address SATCOM enterprise performance requirements. BENEFIT: In the military space, the P-3 PBNM solution being developed has direct application in the WIN-T and JTRS MUOS program, where it can be used in to automate the network planning, configuration and online re-configuration of the tactical satellite networks. On the commercial end, the simulated assisted policy based network management concept that will be researched has direct application towards enhancing existing network management of complex satellite and ground based wireless networks for better accuracy and assurance and will thus make the network management process more fault tolerant, efficient and effective.