Emerging technologies - national/Defense Information Infrastructure and the Defense Information Systems Network

A number of leading-edge networking efforts are producing experience with network technologies that will be essential to the DISN. Advanced switching techniques involving the Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), protocols such as the Internet Stream and Internet Protocol Multicast, and techniques for managing dynamic wideband networks are all likely to contribute. Testbeds such as the proposed Defense Research and Engineering Network (DREN), the Washington area Advanced Technology Demonstration Network (ATDNet), the operating Defense Simulation Internet (DSI), and the previous DARPA Research Testbed Network (DARTnet) are essential to gain experience needed to develop the DISN. Key aspects of these technologies and testbeds are described, along with considerations for using testbeds to achieve rapid transition of new technologies into the DISN