Emerging technologies for management of integrated survivable and secure networks

The concept of DoD command, control, communications, computer and intelligence systems that directly links and supports the warrior requires an evolution in the management approach to current and planned communications and information dissemination systems. Advances in non-developmental item (NDI) and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) network management technology bolster the long-term goal for evolution to an integrated voice, data and imagery transport system that is survivable, reliable, efficient, secure, scalable and seamless. These systems need to provide management of horizontal and vertical flow of information real-time information fusion, C³ on the move, and combat element synchronization. The goal is distributed information transport systems that provide seamless operation with inherent capabilities for adaptive and responsive reconfiguration. The distributed environment includes large geographical regions that encompass dynamic and loosely coupled systems as well as clusters of tightly coupled local users. In contrast, the present communication systems function as private, stovepipe networks with disjointed network management, minimal survivability and labor-intensive operation. The various management policies differ according to the type of information carried and the environment served. The result is incompatible systems and inefficient methods for integrating these capabilities into a unified, manageable and survivable communications network. The author discusses the application of new COTS technology to the management of a network of Electrospace Systems switching equipment