AN INNOVATIVE SOFTWARE TOOL TO AID NETWORK ENGINEERS IN PLANNING, UPGRADING, AND MAINTAINING MULTI-NETWORKS

ASI proposes developing a novel MultiNetwork Engineering Tool which is innovative in its unique integration of several state-of-the-art technologies with established technologies. The state-of-the-art technologies include unique network data visualization algorithms, a data driven intelligent equipment database, novel network modeling tools based on graph theory algorithms, network planning heuristics, and the use of a constraint language which allows network planners to develop and automate their own network planning heuristics. A state-of-the-art graphical user interface and an extensive set of on-line help is also included with the system. As new technologies are developed, authorized network planners will be able to expand, upgrade, and refine both the MultiNetwork Engineering Tool and its comprehensive help system. The tool will provide the Navy with a unique, cost-effective, state-of-the-art network planning tool which will be useful in operational network planning environments throughout many years of rapidly changing network technology. It will accomplish this by streamlining the network planning process, promoting increased understanding of the subtleties of network topologies, and providing for the continual expansion and refinement of the tool by the network planners who use the tool and the tools developers.