Internet programming languages: security, performance, and application to network control

Internet programming languages, such as Java, have the potential to address many problems inherent in military networking, and are particularly suitable for network control applications. However, issues of security and performance arise immediately. By placing the code for a control application at the remote control unit (RCU) that services a network element, any user needing to access the element can connect to the RCU and receive the current version of the user interface for immediate execution on the user´s local platform. Ensuring that the user is authorized to access an element, that the interface delivered to the user has not been altered, and that the interface can be transferred without unacceptable delays is problematic for network elements that are located on the battlefield and connected to the network through low speed channels. To evaluate the potential and problems associated with Internet programming tools, Electrospace has constructed a Monitor and Control Applique (MCA), using Java for the Electrospace secure digital switch family. Security and performance issues have been assessed against advantages in logistics, distributed control, and survivability