Realism vs. optimality: a systems-engineered wide area network design system

Research is described in modeling, analysis and design of large scale, wide area communications networks. The thrust of the work has been directed towards large scale packet-switched data communications networks employing the US Department of Defense (DoD) suite of protocols. While there are a number of peculiarities (e.g., objectives and constraints on designs) specific to DoD technology networks which may not be found in all non-DoD environments, the DoD environment embodies many of the complicating aspects of a variety of data communications technologies: uncertain traffic; dynamic, adaptive routing; multiple, conflicting, and noncommensurate objectives; a broad spectrum of network sizes and purposes; numerous network reliability and survivability concerns; and internetworking