GIG End-to-End Policy Based Network Management: A new approach to large-scale distributed automation

Providing seamless, reliable communications across the Global Information Grid (GIG) presents many unique challenges for network management. Beyond the fact that, as an entity, the GIG encompasses many diverse, operating environments (wired and wireless, tactical and strategic), it faces the challenge of operating a connected series of separate administrative domains which are each governed by different Services (and organizations with each of the services), Combatant Commands (COCOMs), and Agencies. At the same time, it is expected - in fact it is required - to operate as a seamless whole in order to support on-going missions - despite the challenges of a dynamically-changing environment and shifting mission priorities. Policy-Based Network Management (PBNM) is the name given to a set of emerging technologies that automate traditional network management (NM) functions. When PBNM is in use, networked entities (e.g., devices, files, information resources) behave as if they automatically sense and respond to network and service conditions by reacting automatically according to pre- programmed behaviors or policies. The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) has systems engineering responsibility for portions of the GIG. DISA contracted Raytheon to develop a proposed architecture for GIG End-to-End PBNM. This DoDAF 2.0 architecture addresses user, operational, and technical aspects of PBNM (including policy hierarchy and structure of the ontology). The core of this candidate architecture is the innovative distributed Policy Management Entity, a replicated microcosm of the overall GIG PBNM architecture. The proposed architecture presented in this paper is in process of being ratified as part of the GIG Standard. This paper will introduce the reader to the complexities of the GIG and the general topic of PBNM. It will cover the process used to create the architecture, and will share highlights and key artifacts from this candidate architecture.