Optimizing Network Configuration Toolkit: via an AI Interface to OpNet's Modeler Commercial Simulation Engine

We propose to develop an innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) toolkit interface to OPNET Modeler, a COTS simulation engine, to configure and optimize network configuration and operations in the field. This toolkit will allow rapid design andoptimization of communications networks without requiring the user to have programming skills or knowledge of the underlying OPNET Modeler simulation engine. Because developing such a toolkit represents a challenge, we suggest an integrated approachdrawing upon a broad range of AI techniques, user interface, and visualization technologies. There is currently a great need for any solution that will dramatically reduce the complexity of network configuration due to the great quantity and diversity ofinformation that must be analyzed, as well as the short decision cycles.The resulting system will provide the capability for less experienced network engineers to perform efficient and effective network engineering and ongoing operations, with the end result being reduced costs, increased operational efficiency, and improvedrobustness. We will absolutely demonstrate the feasibility of our ideas through the development of a Phase I, proof-of-concept prototype.The enormous opportunities for both commercial and governmental applications include use on all types of communications networks; optimizing based on utilization, cost, and performance.