AutoConfig Router: Policy-based Auto-configuring Routers to Support Dynamically Forming Networks

ABSTRACT: The future Airborne Network (AN) will include airborne nodes on wide body platforms that will perform internet working between heterogeneous networks operating with various protocols and communication link technologies. These nodes will have the capabilities to form the backbone routing structure of the AN. In such an environment, the topology and link statuses will dynamically change overtime because of the node mobility. Thus the configurations of the AN backbone routers will need to be continuously modified to adapt to the changes that are occurring in the network. Currently forming networks is a static and manual process, which will limit the adaptability of the AN backbone to network changes. Architecture Technology Corporation (ATC) will leverage its extensive experience in network technology to develop, evaluate and demonstrate efficient policy-based software techniques that will enable routers to automatically configure themselves to form an optimal AN backbone and to dynamically adapt their configurations to changes that occur in the AN backbone. BENEFIT: The end product of this effort will be a new platform for managing networks with node and domain mobility. The platform will enable the efficient utilization of various protocols and communication link technologies to provide communication of data relating to activities such as command and control, situation awareness and collaborative planning. The same system will be extremely valuable in support of civilian activities such as Communications networks, public safety and the Airborne Internet.