Remote Support via Multi-Terabit Networks

The focus of this task is to research innovative methods of facilitating remote testing of equipment where automatic test equipment (ATE) and the unit under test (UUT) can be physically separated by thousands of miles. The research will demonstrate thefeasibility of establishing multi-terabit diagnostics between the UUT and the remote test operator. The longer-term goal is to implement a prototype method of facilitating remote testing of equipment. Technical areas investigated include Dense WavelengthDivision Multiplexing (DWDM), Terabit network routing, remotely controlling automatic test equipment, information analysis and presentation. Anticipated results of the research are: the feasibility determination for such a system, a proposed network andsoftware infrastructure that will allow multi-terabit data transfer, and scenarios for implementing remote equipment testing.The results of this research will benefit all communities that require the exchange of electronic data and information at a terabitrate. In particular, the USAF will benefit from the high-speed long distance communications capability. Users will get advanced diagnostic capabilities that were once thought impossible. Equipment will be able to be remotely diagnosed by domain experts atthe depot and/or manufacturer, thereby providing direct support to the warfighter. Aircraft availability will be increased and logistics requirements decreased. Potential commercial applications include aircraft avionics manufacturers and consumers such ascommercial airlines who have a desire to increase availability and reduce their logistics load.