Agent-based Active Networks for Automated Network Aware Services

To support today's warfighters critical decision making process at all echelons, battle command systems must deliver mission-critical information to the right person at the right place and at the right time. Quality information must flow seamlessly acrossboth wired and wireless networks under different network conditions. It is a challenge to seamlessly integrate various mobile wireless devices into a variety of information systems so as to more effectively aggregate and distribute real-time information toempower today's soldiers with a new warfighting capability. The presentation of the mission critical information must also be tailored to meet the specific requirements of the individual soldier. The narrow bandwidth characteristics of the wireless networkand the limited capabilities of the wireless devices coupled with the fact that each user has different requirements demand the most intelligent delivery and presentation of time critical information for enhanced battlefield awareness, and command andcontrol. Architecture Technology Corporation (ATC) has successfully designed an Agent-Based Active Network (ABAN) system to provide an automated and intelligent information dissemination service for more effective communications under rapidly changingwarfighting environments. The proposed Phase II effort will build a prototype of the ABAN system based on the existing information technology standards and infrastructure that will provide future military systems with Dynamic Information AdaptationServices that take into account varying network conditions, switching of client networks, changing client devices and user roles.This technology will benefit the Army's Future Combat Systems program, and provide a microprocessor-based network awareapplication platform for timely delivery of quality information to military personnel at all echelons. Potential customers of the commercial product from this research include the military, federal, state and local governments and wireless serviceproviders. In the military sector, this technology will improve situational awareness, and command and control for warfighters in the field. It will enhance Army's future tactical systems by providing seamless flow of personally adapted informationwherever and whenever the warfighter needs it. This technology will also improve the situational awareness and communication capabilities for the civilian disaster responders, enabling them to more effectively handle natural or weapons of mass destructiondisasters, with improved coordination between local, state, and federal forces.