Integrated Resource Management for Real-time Multimedia Communications in Highly Mobile Networks.

We will implement integrated system management functions for Unmanned Vehicle (UV)-aided networked systems. Such systems employ wireless networks that support mixtures of applications, supporting multimedia streams and critical C4ISR flows. The goal isto develop technologies and methods to rapidly configure and manage these networks so that they can share and disseminate critical data in realtime and to ensure that quality of service (QoS) measures are met. In Phase I, we have developed systemmanagement methods for Mobile Backbone Network (MBN) based multi-tier ad hoc wireless networks. In Phase II, these techniques will be used for the development of system management (ISM) operation for systems that combine sensor networks, MBN basedcommunications networks and unmanned (airborne and ground based) vehicles. We will define, analyze, simulate and test-bed demonstrate: Management Information Bases (MIBs) that will store the attributes of the underlying managed entities; Tasking &Management Interfaces (TMIs) that will allow management entities to monitor, control and task the managed objects; Management application routines that calculate the best action to follow and methods to employ in allocating overall system resources.Under a Phase II Option, the integrated system management operation will be extended to incorporate multitasked UAV SWARM formations. Next generation highly mobile wireless systems combine the operation of sensor and communications networks. These systemsemploy a dynamically configurable structure, utilizing ground and airborne based unmanned vehicles (UAVs and UGVs). UAV SWARM formations will be configured, using multi-tasked platforms that provide networking and sensing services, to execute a multitudeof missions. We have proposed a scalable and manageable architecture that will provide for the implementation of such networks, based on our recently developed mobile backbone network (MBN) concepts. Since the underlying mission and operationalenvironment is continuously changing, it is essential that a resource management system is employed to monitor, control, and manage the system and to allocate in realtime system resources. There are no current distributed software agents and integratedresource allocation tools that can operate in realtime for such networks. Our proposed architecture and methods for the implementation of such an Integrated System Management (ISM) operation will ensure that the system management operation reacts inrealtime to changing mission requirements and to fluctuating system/environmental conditions. Such intelligent models and software agents must be employed to connect the network monitoring functions with the system control mechanisms, to ensure realtimeadaptivity and a survivable operation. The integrated system management structure and software to be developed is of key importance for ensuring a responsive and survivable operation of ad hoc wireless networks, homeland security systems, C4ISR FORCEnet,disaster relief networks, industrial control systems, geological and urban traffic control networked systems and any communications network system that integrates that sensing and telecommunications operations.