A mission-based ATM network manager

Abstract

As military communication networks begin to migrate to hybrid Internet protocol (IP)/asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) technology a new set of requirements for network management is evolving. The collaborative promise of ATM networking cannot be fully realized with current management systems. Moreover, emerging multimedia C2I applications impose unique, variable, and mission-sensitive requirements on the network infrastructure. A need exists for a new model of network management. This paper describes an ATM network manager which is capable of managing the ATM network, workstation, and user applications. The manager dynamically optimizes network routing, link bandwidth allocation, ATM policing, and other QoS parameters. Host configuration and application parameters can be tuned for optimum performance, where possible. The paper also outlines how a military operational scenario, a user/application description, and a historical network performance database are used, along with real-time network measurement inputs, to dynamically control and optimize the managed elements of the system. Before an operational mission, inputs such as data and application types, user/data priorities, network deployment information, and event timelines are translated into a management ruleset. This ruleset, along with historical data on network performance and real-time measured performance data, are used by the network manager whenever a communication occurs to optimally set up the ATM connection parameters of the network host, and application. Finally, the paper discusses an implementation of the mission-based ATM network manager. Progress to date is described.