Jerome Sonnenberg

A Cognitive Cross-Layer Architecture for Next-Generation Tactical Networks

In this paper, a unified cognitive cross-layer architecture is proposed for the next-generation IP-based mobile tactical networks, where each node in the network can sense and learn from its situational and contextual information, and then it will respond the changes of environment by adapting system parameters and network services based on the learned results. In this way, it can provide Quality of Services (QoS) to multimedia services while fully utilizing network resources. The core of the proposed architecture is a unified cross-layer controller which provides both vertical system control and the horizontal network control. The vertical system adaptation is guided by the horizontal network control based on network data mining techniques, leading to a multi-scale cross-layer architecture for distributive and autonomous QoS provisioning in mobile tactical networks. Therefore, the proposed architecture can support the design requirements of next-generation mobile tactical networks, such as autonomy, self-configuration, self-organization, scalability, adaptability, and simplicity, to provide multimedia services such as video clips, images, voice, and text messages. The implementation of the proposed cross-layer architecture is also briefly discussed in this paper. A related paper discusses some modeling and simulation results that validate the gains that can be made by using a cross-layer approach in implementing next generation mobile tactical networks.

Eliminating co-location radio interference with photonic-enhanced spectrum management in cognitive radio networks

Co-location of RF emitters (communications plus jammer) is a problem in tactical operations where the goal within a tactical platform is to maintain blue force communications and deny (jam) red force communications or, indeed, any red force use of spectrum. Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) on the DARPA neXt generation (xG) communications program [1] has a goal to sense and share spectrum for more efficient use. A port and test of this DSA capability from a commercial radio to a tactical radio showed significant improvement in tactical communications in a jamming environment.

Quantifying the relative merits of genetic and swarm algorithms for network optimization in cognitive radio networks

Cognitive engines have been under study and development for a number of years as a technique for addressing the needs of cognitive radios [1,2,3]. More recently there has been effort to expand the role of the cognitive engine to address the needs of a network of cognitive radios [4,5]. Haykin [6] has demonstrated that there is a significant difference between a network of cognitive radios and a cognitive radio network. This paper addresses three questions: 1. What are the significant functional and parametric differences between cognitive algorithms that deal with optimizing the operations of a cognitive radio and cognitive algorithms that optimize the operations of a cognitive radio network? 2. What are the trade-offs in applying the various algorithms to each task? 3. Which algorithms are optimal for the networking tasks? This paper identifies a set of parameters that characterize candidate algorithms and explores the benefits and drawbacks of each for cognitive network tasks. We propose a tiered architecture of cognitive engine algorithms that work in tandem to optimize the use of cognitive networked radios for the optimal success of the networked mission.

Routing impact in highly dynamic mesh networks of RF and FSO links

Applications such as situational awareness are becoming more prevalent in highly dynamic tactical mesh networks and are placing high demand on existing RF network capacity. These applications require high aggregate data capacity but have some flexibility in packet by packet latency. Combined Radio Frequency and Free Space Optical communication within a heavily scintillated atmospheric path behaves as an RF link augmented by an optical link. Such link scenarios are found in near-earth paths within a network where high link availability is required but the aggregate data rate, although high, is flexible and has a dynamic range much wider than seen in traditional terrestrial networks.

An ontology for RF and photonic-assisted cognitive radio networks

Automating the management of capabilities of dynamic networks (mobile ah-hoc networks or MANETs) has been addressed as a design problem. But in a network of cognitive radios, the set of manageable parameters expands the design space far in excess of current design automation or manual analysis capabilities.

The DirecNet Network Management Architecture

In order to address the challenges of a highly-integrated, high-bandwidth backbone for future tactical edge networks, the DirecNet Task Force has developed [1, 2] a robust high-capacity, directional mesh-networking waveform. In the past year, the DirecNet Task Force has established a Network Management Working Group (NMWG), comprised of representatives from the US Department of Defense (DoD) military services and industry. This working group has been chartered to develop a distributed policy-driven network management standard that can be used in association with the current DirecNet Interoperable Waveform Standard as well as other tactical radio/network systems. This paper identifies capabilities required of the network management system imposed by the special needs of a heterogeneous, wireless tactical network. We describe an architecture for these management capabilities using DoDAF 2.0 [3], that provides policy-driven, autonomous management of networked radios for the optimal success of the networked mission. Finally, we detail the planned completion of this industry-neutral architecture that will facilitate the management of networks of heterogeneous, ad hoc wireless links used in tactical communications environments.

Predicting impact of multi-paths on phase change in map-based vehicular ad hoc networks

Dynamic Spectrum Access, which through its ability to adapt the operating frequency of a radio, is widely believed to be a solution to the limited spectrum problem. Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) can extend high capacity mobile communications over large areas where fixed and tethered-mobile systems are not available. In one use case with high potential impact cognitive radio employs spectrum sensing to facilitate identification of allocated frequencies not currently accessed by their primary users. Primary users own the rights to radiate at a specific frequency and geographic location, secondary users opportunistically attempt to radiate at a specific frequency when the primary user is not using it. We quantify optimal signal detection in map based cognitive radio networks with multiple rapidly varying phase changes and multiple orthogonal signals. Doppler shift occurs due to reflection, scattering, and rapid vehicle movement. Path propagation as well as vehicle movement produces either constructive or destructive interference with the incident wave. Our signal detection algorithms can assist the Doppler spread compensation algorithm by deciding how many phase changes in signals are present in a selected band of interest. Additionally we can populate a spatial radio environment map (REM) database with known information that can be leveraged in an ad hoc network to facilitate Dynamic Spectrum Access. We show how topography can help predict the impact of multi-paths on phase change, as well as about the prediction from dense traffic areas. Utilization of high resolution geospatial data layers in RF propagation analysis is directly applicable.

A framework for net-centric services and usage patterns in military networks

The Network Centric Operations Industry Consortium (NCOIC) provides guidance for Network Centric Operations (NCO) interoperable systems. The NCO Interoperability Framework (NIF) [1] provides an organizational construct and repository for enabling this guidance. NIF is a framework that assists industry to design interoperable systems. NIF is based upon standards, including patterns, principles, and processes. The Net-Centric Services Framework [2] is contained in the NIF overarching framework, consistent with the NIF structure requirements: Concepts, Principles, Patterns and Processes.

MANET Route Optimization using Cross-Layer Enhancements in Tactical Radio Waveforms

Cross Layer interactions have gained acceptance in communications protocol stacks in order to optimize the operation of network nodes with ever increasing sophistication. In a related paper [4] we discuss the role of selecting a cross layer architectural framework for mobile tactical communications nodes. If we go to the effort of developing a cross-layer architecture for mobile tactical radio networks, will the performance gains justify the cost? This paper discusses the results from discrete event simulation studies that compare the gains made in network route optimization from cross-layer event data at the physical layer. Specifically, the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) calculated by a mobile radio in a deployment environment is used to adjust the signal modulation order and hence the data capacity of links formed between mobile nodes. The radios dynamically adjust the data capacity of the links. Many routing protocols never update routing link cost after initialization which leads to inefficient routing paths in a dynamic RF environment such as seen in mobile tactical networks. Simulation studies show that converting physical layer events to a metric such as current link data capacity and reporting this to a routing protocol that can dynamically change route selection cost results in overall network throughput gains and improved network convergence times. Results show a comparison of mobile network simulation scenarios which demonstrate the gain of the cross layer protocols as opposed to the network performance without consideration of cross layer interaction.