| 2004 Technology
Symposium > Communications and Networks
Communications and Networks
Communications covers developments in LAN and WAN network protocols,
system planning, management, traffic analysis, wireless technologies and
high bandwidth networks and the evolution of satellite communications
to networks of low earth orbiting satellites.
Adaptive Bandwidth Management in Challenged Communication Environments
Sham Chakravorty, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problems
Static bandwidth management techniques used today to configure user allocation on satellite networks are inadequate to address the changing environment of tactical forces on the move. Network performance is compromised by three factors: inefficient utilization due to problems of TCP over high latency and noisy satellite links, lack of coordination across security enclaves, and lack of responsiveness to RF changes. Objectives
Our objective is to overcome limitations of using static bandwidth allocation on satellite gateways by creating an adaptive performance enhancing proxy (PEP). PEPs are an effective class of mechanisms used to maximize effective throughput of TCP over satellite. We will design a network management architecture that provides wide area network (WAN) feedback to PEPs across multiple security enclaves. Activities
This effort will comprise three major activities: (1) researching adaptive PEPs, used to optimize the performance of TCP applications in changing RF environments; (2) specifying a management architecture that defines WAN management data (e.g., link quality and availability), collection and distribution mechanisms to provide feedback to the PEPs; and (3) making the management architecture work across multiple security enclaves. Impact
Our research will increase effective bandwidth for tactical users. It will foster the deployment of standards-based, COTS bandwidth management that integrates LANs and WANs to enhance tactical communications on the move. Commercial product availability will lead to deployment by the services and incorporation into programs of record. Adoption of adaptive PEPs as a Joint Standard will enhance joint interoperability.
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Assured Network Delivery
Lisa Higgins, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problems
The concept of network centric warfare relies heavily on distributed operations. Many activities that were centralized are now widely distributed. For real-time and mission-critical applications to function reliably, the network services must provide a high degree of performance predictability. At this point in time, this degree of deterministic performance does not exist over IP-based networks. Objectives
This project will explore and enhance two emerging technologies that can potentially provide true end-to-end quality of service and predictability of performance under all conditions of network congestion. To meet this objective, one must be able to request this service from an end-to-end perspective (a key challenge) as well as provision the service addressing all the attending management issues. Activities
We will develop dynamic network profiling to react dynamically to time critical events and optimize network resources to accomplish the mission (under pre-tested, pre-approved conditions). We will develop a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) based architecture to provide end-to-end guaranteed services. Physical networks will be constructed/prototyped as part of these activities. Impact
For those mission-critical applications that require the highest tier of guaranteed network services, the technologies being explored in this project will potentially offer unprecedented performance under all conditions of network stress. True network centric warfare over a global scale will potentially be possible using these techniques.
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Disruption Tolerant Networking
Robert C. Durst, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
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Emulation Facility for Networking and Distributed Application Development
Kevin Grace, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problems
Applications and network protocols are often developed with little regard for the deleterious effects produced by wireless links. Serious problems quickly arise when applications and protocols developed in a LAN environment are operated in a wireless military environment where capacity is limited, propagation delays are significant, and bit error rates are several orders of magnitude higher. Objectives
Our objective is to develop a network emulation capability that will allow developers of applications and network protocols to design and test their systems proactively on top of a realistic synthetic communication environment. Activities
Building upon the core capability developed last year, we will extend the emulator to include additional models of important DoD data links. We will create a graphical user interface and several new monitoring and control features to make the emulator easier to operate. A library of test scenarios and measurement scripts will be developed to quantify achievable performance. Impact
Other MITRE research projects are leveraging the network emulator. The Next Generation SATCOM project has used and extended the emulator software in exploring efficient methods for transport of IP in a SATCOM environment, and the QoS for Tactical Links project has done so in investigating the effects of various layer 2 queuing policies on wireless links.
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Enabling Technologies for Mobile Communications
John Putnam, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problems
The transformation to network centric warfare requires seamless air-to-air, space, and ground connectivity. The communications systems required to provide this capability depend on wideband RF, narrowband RF, and optical links. Unfortunately, there are a number of serious challenges related to the installation of RF systems on airborne platforms, resulting in limitations on the number, size, and location of antenna apertures. Objectives
This project will complete the development and demonstration of new elements that can be used to produce multibeam apertures for the airborne environment. These elements will be integrated into a prototype transmit phased array operating at Ku-band. This demonstration will establish a foundation for future multibeam terminals, supporting the growing need for wideband RF communications capabilities for airborne platforms. Activities
During FY04 we will fabricate and evaluate a new high-efficiency, solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) module. Array beamforming and radiating elements designed in FY03 will be integrated with the amplifier module into a prototype array. The array will be characterized in MITRE's antenna and environmental test facilities, validating our design approach and verifying the performance predicted by our analyses. Impact
The development of multibeam antenna apertures based on phased arrays will address the challenges associated with installation on airborne platforms. The deployment of wideband line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond-LOS terminals will support the effort to bring airborne platforms into the Global Grid and will provide the seamless connectivity and airborne meshed networks envisioned in the Transformational Communications program.
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Fast Layer 2 Handoff Between WLAN and 3G Cellular Networks
Dong-Jye Shyy, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
Problems
With the massive deployment of 3G CDMA2000 (Code Division Multiple Access 2000) cellular networks and WLAN hot spots, integration of these two types of networks becomes not only feasible, but also necessary, since they provide complementary coverage and services. One of the challenges for integration is to provide session persistence and service continuity for voice. Objectives
The project will propose innovative fast layer 2 handoff algorithms between WLAN and 3G CDMA2000 cellular networks for voice services. The effectiveness of the proposed handoff algorithms is evaluated using the Wireless Interworking Testbed (simulation) and Washington Mobile Computing Lab (WMCL) and the DISA DForce Technical Analysis Center (DTAC) Lab experimentation. Activities
The first task is to develop the Wireless Interworking Testbed to simulate the performance of proposed fast layer 2 handoff algorithms. The second is to work with third-party wireless roaming/handoff gateway vendors to perform WMCL and DTAC Lab experimentation to validate the simulation results. Impact
The results will be submitted to IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.21 Working Groups to alter the direction of IEEE 802 development of fast handoff standards on the basis of government (DISA) requirements (e.g., security and quality of service). The research results can be applied to interworking/handoff between dissimilar tactical wireless technologies.
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Future Combat Systems (FCS) Communications
Gary Comparetto, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
Problems
The focus of the DARPA Future Combat System Communications (FCS-C) program is to provide the enabling technology to develop the FCS communications system. In support of this, the FCS-C program will demonstrate the capabilities of the FCS communications components via modeling and simulation (M&S), with a special emphasis on network and communications technology scalability. Objectives
Our objective is to continue to refine and demonstrate a M&S environment that will be used by the technology development contractors and independent analysts to investigate the performance of alternative routing and MAC layer routing schemes in mobile ad-hoc networks. Activities
Our activities this year include implementing the FCS-C M&S plan, extending the functionality of the FCS-C M&S environment and of the OPNET Path Attenuation Routine (OPAR), generating additional representative operational FCS scenarios, continuing to lead the FCS-C Systems Study Team, and exercising the M&S environment using MITRE- and contractor-provided FCS protocols. Impact
Our activities this year will help ensure that the communications and networking technologies being developed under the FCS-C program meet performance and scalability objectives. The M&S effort is the only way that scalability can be evaluated. The results of several field demonstrations will be used to help validate the results generated.
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Hybrid Ultra-Wideband Systems for Small Unit Operations
Jim Marshall, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problems
Effective intra-squad communications and position determination must be provided in support of many different types of small unit operations. Ultra-wideband (UWB) systems show some promise for overcoming shortfalls of existing systems for these applications. However, the need to keep spectral emissions low could limit the effectiveness of UWB systems for small unit operations. Objectives
We intend to develop an UWB system that complies with FCC emission limits and provides usable communications and ranging inside buildings. The objectives of this project are to develop a hybrid waveform UWB system and to assess the capabilities of such systems for communications and ranging to support small unit operations. Activities
We will build and test a hybrid UWB system. System assessment will be based on analysis, simulation, prototype development, and laboratory tests in a project spanning two years. One pair of prototype transmit and receive units will be built by MITRE and tested in the second year of the project. We will evaluate performance and interference into other systems. Impact
Development of a hybrid UWB system will provide significant enhancements to intra-squad communications and ranging. These systems are important to emergency first responders, Army platoons, and special operations forces. Results will affect the Future Combat System program (dismounted Objective Force Warrior), the DARPA NETEX program, our support to the FAA, and our support to emergency management and homeland security programs.
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MITRE IPv6 Distributed Testbed
William Sax, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problems
The DoD has established policy for the transition of its enterprise-wide networks from Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4) to IP Version 6 (IPv6). This policy calls for the transition of segments of the Global Information Grid in the FY04-FY07 time frame: a major undertaking. Many systems will require upgrades (or replacements) to support IPv6. IPv6 capable products will come from commercial vendors and government development programs. Many segments of the system architecture will also be affected. Objectives
MITRE will assist development of net-centric architectures that use IPv6 by evaluating new commercial IPv6 products and capabilities. We will create a testbed environment to support the DoD strategy and process for an aggressive, but thoughtful, end-to-end transition. We will increase knowledge of IPv6 and provide experience for MITRE technical staff by offering a capability to support the testing of multiple transition scenarios and mechanisms. Activities
We will configure and test IPv6 applications and protocols through a MITRE-wide distributed testbed environment. We will evaluate performance, interoperability, and security impacts of IPv6 in multiple environments. This will be accomplished through evaluation and demonstration of IPv4-to-IPv6 transition mechanisms, IPv6/IPv4 interoperability scenarios, routing protocols, and IPv6 applications. Impact
The MITRE testbed will provide a capability for supporting sponsors and projects across the corporation. Testbed activities will contribute to achieving the DoD's objectives for IPv6 transition.
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Mobile Ad Hoc Networks for the Transformed Army (MANTA)
Robert Durst, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problems
Army transformation simultaneously requires dramatically higher data rates, low probability of detection, and resistance to jamming for highly mobile networks. These requirements strongly suggest the use of highly directional communication mechanisms. Current mobile ad hoc networking techniques neither embrace directionality nor accommodate the qualities of service necessary to support the C4ISR collaborative applications needed. Objectives
We will determine the following: What channel access mechanisms are most appropriate for ad hoc networks that combine directional and omnidirectional elements (a.k.a. directional ad hoc networks)? How should one initiate and maintain a network topology in directional ad hoc networks? What routing algorithms are necessary for standard (unicast), high-assurance, and multipoint data delivery services in directional ad hoc networks? Activities
We are developing, simulating, and implementing channel access protocols derived from the Synchronous Collision Resolution (SCR) family of media access control protocols. We are investigating the applicability of these protocols for Marine Corps use with Single-Channel Ground and Air Radio System (SINCGARS) radios, and are developing routing protocols that operate in conjunction with these channel access protocols. Impact
The results of this research are directly applicable to programs that rely upon mobile ad hoc networking technology. The Marine Corps is investigating implementation of an SCR-derived protocol for their SINCGARS radios. We have provided inputs to the Future Combat System Communications program in the form of simulation models and insights into media access for modestly directional networks.
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Mobile IPv6
Holly Xiao, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problems
Mobile IPv6 will be increasingly used in military environments because of its ability to minimize configuration changes needed for supporting mobile users who cannot readily change their IP addresses. Mobile IPv6 is a feasible way to provide static IPv6 addresses for mobile terminals, and may accelerate the adaptation of IPv6 in the DoD environment. Objectives
The results of this project will demonstrate Mobile IPv6 implementations, investigate mobile IPv6 VPN solutions, and enhance Mobile IPv6 security. Activities
We will participate in DoD IPv6 transition planning and in the Internet Engineering Task Force Mobile IP Working Group. We will also extend the Washington Mobile Computing Lab and DISA DForce Technical Analysis Center test beds with IPv6, Mobile IPv6, and cryptographic support for experimentation. Impact
This research can be leveraged within the tactical network environment through the secure and flexible mobile network. For instance, the Future Combat System is expected to include a large number of mobile network nodes. The ability to build secure communication while the mobile nodes dynamically move is the key to success in a tactical military environment.
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Mobile Networked MIMO
Jonathan Schwartz, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
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Multi-Carrier and Multi-Antenna Communications
Jim Dunyak, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problems
Because of the often unique perspective of both in situ and standoff signals intelligence (SIGINT) sensors, exploitation is usually complicated by excessive multi-access interference, reduced channel rank, and overlay interference. Military communications applications of these technologies must in addition be resistant to jamming while providing secure and high-capacity links. Objectives
This project will design signal processing techniques that provide effective and efficient communications and surveillance in an interference-dominated environment. Our research focuses on promising new technologies such as multi-carrier modulation approaches and multiple input-multiple output (MIMO) processing, which offer substantial improvements in the complex multipath environment found in ground-level wireless. Activities
In this research project, we will focus on three tasks. We will develop SIGINT techniques for multi-carrier communications. We will develop communications and surveillance technologies for MIMO systems using multi-carrier communications. Finally, we will apply this research to communications and intelligence operations in an urban warfare environment. Impact
Multi-carrier and multi-antenna technologies will provide a critical component of future commercial and defense communications. By applying core technologies in decision feedback equalization, we will develop new techniques in both SIGINT and high-capacity and high-reliability communications. Our research will lead to MITRE publications, open literature publications, transition of ground-breaking research results, and possible patents and technology transfer.
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neXt Generation communications (XG)
Dominic LaRocca, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
Problems
The availability of frequency spectrum for current and new applications is a continuing area of concern. There is a continuing effort underway to develop new approaches for more efficient use of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum and methods to enhance sharing or reuse of current user spectrum assignments. Objectives
The XG program is developing new methods to identify, in real time, idle RF spectrum and allow other users to employ that spectrum until it is again needed by the primary assigned user(s). This effort requires development of new technology, operational protocols, and modification of current spectrum policy to permit fielding of the new technology. Activities
MITRE is supporting the XG Program goal of early demonstration of XG concepts and proof of concept by leveraging previous work on adaptive spectrum waveforms and other, related MITRE activities supporting activities such as the Joint Tactical Radio System and the Defense Spectrum Office. The MITRE team also provides technical contributions to the XG program. Impact
The near-term DARPA objective is to demonstrate at least a factor of 10 improvement in the number of RF channels available for short-term use. The enhanced availability provides opportunity for fielding new RF-based military and commercial applications within radio spectrum currently identified as fully assigned and occupied.
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Next Generation SATCOM Terminals
Randall Landry, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problems
Military satellite communications (SATCOM) networks are expected to be a key enabler in the transformation of US military forces. Next-generation SATCOM systems promise to deliver high data-rate network-centric connectivity to airborne and terrestrial military users. Several technological challenges stand in the way of this transformation. They include the lack of robust layer 2 and layer 3 protocols optimized for operating in the SATCOM environment. Objectives
This project is tackling some of the most difficult technical challenges associated with the realization of this transformational capability. Research efforts are focused on developing flexible architectures and communications and networking technologies that are optimized for the SATCOM environment. Activities
We are developing satellite-based packet-switching protocols that seamlessly interoperate with dynamic IP routing topologies. The protocols promote flexibility and extensibility by allowing IP routing functionality to be maintained external to the satellite payloads and terminals, ensuring that IP routing technology can evolve without impacting the system. Our research is also developing efficient routing protocols tailored to a SATCOM environment for which commercially available technology may be ill suited. Impact
Our work is influencing the architecture of next-generation SATCOM terminals by illustrating the feasibility of a flexible design that excludes higher layer functionality such as IP routing and TCP proxy. We are also planning to engage the Transformational Communications program by introducing our flexible suite of protocols to that community.
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QoS for Tactical Link Layer Networks
Steve Pizzi, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problems
DoD networks are moving towards an "Internet-style" architecture to improve mission effectiveness. Industry is developing quality of service (QoS) standards for commercial networking, but QoS requirements for DoD networks may be more stringent because some DoD information delivery requires high reliability and low latency. Tactical networks capable of allocating network resources via autonomous QoS mechanisms do not exist today. Objectives
We plan to develop an effective means of allocating tactical network resources, based on the desired/required QoS, to enable the DoD Internet evolution. The QoS mechanism must be consistent across the whole set of DoD networks, thereby providing an end-to-end solution. This architecture will address end-to-end issues and allow us to exploit existing commercial technology, while still meeting the needs of the tactical networks. Activities
We will develop QoS mapping/signaling strategies that can be shown through our testbed and our simulations to provide flexible and dynamic QoS solutions. We will implement our QoS strategies for various scenarios. We will also examine policy-based networking to ensure that QoS policies are disseminated and enforced in a timely and consistent manner, depending on the state of the network. Impact
This work will allow MITRE to continue to take the lead for developing the tactical network architectures of the future. Specifically, we will have impact on the Wideband Networking Waveform, Transformational Communications Architecture, and Airborne Network. All legacy systems can utilize our results to develop an internetworking strategy with new systems and an evolutionary and transformational strategy for replacement systems.
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Quantum Information Science
Gerry Gilbert, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
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Space-Time Coding for Reliable and Covert Urban Communicat
Robert Taylor, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
Problems
Non-line-of-sight rich multipath scattering environments cause link failure for conventional wireless communication systems. Multiple-input multiple-output antenna systems exploit multipath to provide linear increases in ergodic capacity -- breaking the Shannon bound. Space-time coding (STC) methods can achieve full spatial and coding diversity and enable lower bit error rates (BER) and/or lower signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) in the power-limited regime Objectives
We will design optimal space-time modems and codecs to achieve minimum BER for fixed SNR and fixed data rate (reliable communications) and minimum SNR for fixed BER and fixed data rate (covert communications). Activities
We have a two-fold approach that includes algorithm development and hardware/testing development. Algorithm development will focus on STC (block and trellis), channel modeling and estimation (blind and semi-blind), modulation waveform design (spread spectrum vs. orthogonal frequency division multiplexing), and turbo-like codes (codes on graphs). We will collect and analyze data to understand real-world impairments such as quantization and synchronization effects. Impact
Achieving our first objective will enable reliable communications for urban warfare -- a topic of interest to the Army, Marines, and DARPA. Achieving the second objective will enable low probability of detection/intercept communications of interest to intelligence and surveillance communities. Both objectives also allow for mitigation of jamming and interference.
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Wireless System for Below Decks Shipboard, Underground, and Urban Warfare
Barry Palmertree, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
Problems
Some sponsor missions place small teams into RF-challenged environments. The team's effectiveness is limited by lack of communications, since RF propagation in bunkers and ships is unsuitable for traditional technologies. Although the work is applicable to special operations and urban warfare, the focus of this research is on U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Boarding Teams operating below decks to inspect maritime vessels. Objectives
The objective of this research is to enable communications between a below-decks boarding team and their own-ship command center. The work will enable two-way secure voice for consultation and direction, two-way data for photos and enterprise reachback, and one-way low-frame-rate video for team-to-command situational awareness. Results will be applied to RF-challenged missions of other MITRE sponsors. Activities
Research activities are structured around two experiments (physical and link layers) using seized and cooperative ships. Based on the resulting data, a particular wireless link will be selected and several breadcrumb relays will be prototyped. An integrated end-to-end communication system will be tested in a third experiment (network and applications layer), operationally demonstrating the system with ships of opportunity. Impact
Successful development of a breadcrumb communications approach will have direct impact on USCG operations and ongoing Deepwater acquisition requirements. The technology will be useful for other RF-challenged environments, such as underground facilities, urban warfare, and urban search and rescue / first responders. Results in ad hoc networking for low-latency chains may be useful to MITRE's netted sensor program.
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