Battlefield network applications of the SHAMAN management system

SHAMAN (Spreadsheet-based Hierarchical Architecture for MANagement) is a novel management framework developed at the University of Delaware; it extends the traditional flat SNMP (simple network management protocol) management model to a hierarchical architecture. Effective management of battlefield networks requires such a hierarchical management architecture wherein managers can dynamically delegate management tasks to intermediate managers. The SHAMAN framework includes a spreadsheet-based intermediate manager with a scripting language and MIB (management information base), a polling subsystem and an event model; a prototype implementation of the system is available (see http://www.cis.udel.edu/∼shaman). Our research has explored several applications of the SHAMAN system to tactical battlefield networks for the US Army. Described applications include a location management application, an application to reconfigure the dynamically changing topology of tactical internets, and another application to interface with OPNET simulations of battlefield networks.