An advanced middleware architecture for secure and survivable mobile C4I systems

This paper gives an overview of a middleware-based mobile C4I architecture that provides a foundation for balanced treatment of the complex, and frequently conflicting dependability requirements (i.e. security, survivability, etc.) of tactical systems. The architecture is an outgrowth of work on a mobile distributed operating system that attempts to deal with various shortcomings of the mobile Internet protocol (mobile IP) for military use. The architecture provides secure and survivable mobile C4I operation by using a highly controversial technique-via session layer "hand off" of mobile communications-a function that is traditionally controlled entirely by the network layer. The architecture is described in functional terms, as well as the general layered structure that provides tactical dependability. Also described is an emerging idea known as plan-based survivability, which the authors hope will solve many open problems with current survivability technology, and which has already been partly demonstrated by a working prototype.