Murat Gocmen

Date of Award

3-12-2009

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Computer Engineering

Department

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

First Advisor

Kenneth M. Hopkinson, PhD

Abstract

Networked communications play a crucial role in United States Armed Forces operations. As the military moves towards more network centric (Net-Centric) operations, it becomes increasingly important to use the network as effectively as possible with respect to the overall mission. This thesis advocates the use of a Network Tasking Order (NTO), which allows operators to reason about the network based on asset movement, capabilities, and communication requirements. These requirements are likely to be derived from the Air Tasking Order (ATO), which gives insight into the plan for physical assets in a military mission. In this research we illustrate the benefit of an NTO in a simulation scenario that centers on communication in a Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) mission. While demonstrating the CSAR mission, we assume the use of the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) for communication instead of current technology in order to mimic likely future communication configurations. Our premise is that the knowledge in an NTO can be used to achieve better CSAR missions and yield better decision-making opportunities to the mission commanders. We present a scenario that hinges on the transmission of a critical image update from the headquarters to the survivor in the context of a CSAR mission. We attempt to transmit the image with the aid of an NTO and then without the use of an NTO under high and low traffic loads.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GCE-ENG-09-01

DTIC Accession Number

ADA497812

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