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Software systems that rely on ad-hoc networks are increasingly complex and prevalent. Some of these systems provide vital functionality to emergency services, military operations, and disaster relief; such systems may have significant impact on the safety of people involved in those operations. It is therefore important that those networks support critical software requirements, including those for latency of packet transfer. If a network ceases to meet the software's requirements (e.g. due to a link failure) then engineers must be able to understand it well enough to reconfigure the network and restore it to a requirement-satisfying state. Given a complex network, it is difficult for a human to do this, especially under time pressure. Tool support would therefore be valuable. This paper presents a search-based tool which takes as input a network defined using the Network Description Language (NDL), annotated with a set of network-hosted applications and a set of latency requirements between each. The tool can evolve variants of the network configuration which meet the requirements and are robust to single link failures, using multi-objective optimisation to resolve the conflicting demands of robustness and low resource use. We have investigated how the Genetic Algorithm (GA) can be configured to find good results, and how the time taken to evolve networks scales with the size of the network. We conclude that the approach is effective for small networks (tens of nodes) but scales poorly beyond that. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is halfway between agent technology and the mathematical reasoning needed to model tactical decision-making tasks. These models are applied to the air defense domain for command and control (C2). The article also addresses the issues related to evaluating agents, which are designed and implemented using the agent-programming paradigm. The agents are deployed in a simulated environment for performing C2 tasks, such as electronic counter-countermeasures, threat assessment, and weapon allocation. The simulated defense system runs without any human intervention and represents a state-of-the-art model for C2 autonomy. The use of agents as autonomous decision-making entities is particularly useful in view of futuristic network-centric warfare. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The paradoxical behaviour of a new command and control concept called Network Enabled Capability (NEC) provides the motivation for this paper. In it, a traditional hierarchical command and control organisation was pitted against a network centric alternative on a common task, played thirty times, by two teams. Multiple regression was used to undertake a simple form of time series analysis. It revealed that whilst the NEC condition ended up being slightly slower than its hierarchical counterpart, it was able to balance and optimise all three of the performance variables measured (task time, enemies neutralised and attrition). From this it is argued that a useful conceptual response is not to consider NEC as an end product comprised of networked computers and standard operating procedures, nor to regard the human system interaction as inherently stable, but rather to view it as a set of initial conditions from which the most adaptable component of all can be harnessed: the human. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A conceptual definition of combat effectiveness is the overall capability of a force to produce a desired outcome from combat against an enemy force. An ability to measure combat effectiveness is critical to strategic and tactical decision making; however, it is a challenging task to develop an operational metric for combat effectiveness due to the large complexity presented by the rich context of a combat environment. The present paper contends that, under a direct fire engagement, combat effectiveness can be reasonably assessed by the prevalence of attack opportunities a given force creates in a combat environment. The paper proposes a method to quantitatively measure combat effectiveness of a military force in a direct fire engagement environment. The proposed metric is based on a meta-network representation that captures various aspects of a combat environment. Using a meta-network representation, two types of basic unit structures of attack opportunity -- isolated and networked -- are identified, which are then used as a basic element for measuring combat effectiveness. Prevalence of network motifs in a networked combat environment and availability of attack opportunities are computed as a measure of a military force's combat effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the U.S. commands' views on the significance of human factor in the battlefield as set out in the Joint Vision 2020 doctrine. Topics discussed include the high value on information in U.S. documents on military policy and warfare, role of high-tech weapons and information systems in military conflicts and the imperfections of technology. It also mentions the importance of effective leadership in contemporary system for educating and training of U.S. servicemen.

The article discusses the need for a system for tactical-combined-arms formations organized on network-centric principles. Topics discussed include existing weapon system of the Land Forces, challenges to designing a weapon system that has independent subsystems all serving one purpose, and the shift to sub-systems in tactical combined-arms formations. It recommends combining the capabilities of weapons, subsystem of weapons and an integrated and balanced weapons system in the Land Forces.

The article examines the role of army aviation in ground fighting based on trends in military operations. Trends in military operations discussed include the increased range and effectiveness of enemy fire, increasing power of fire strikes dealing heavy damage to manpower and military vehicles, and network-centric warfare. It also discusses the use of mass-scale helicopters in U.S. military operations to enhance firepower and mobility of ground forces.

The article discusses network centrics technologies and their application to warfare which would integrate all forces sand weapons in a common information environment in combat. Topics discussed include the origins of the concept of network-centric warfare, the assessment of a hypothetical adversary capable of network-centric technologies, and trends in common information environment during warfare.

In the context of Article 5 and based on the agreed arrangements, national defence requires that the joint operation in the event of any aggression against Romania should be led by a joint multinational command deployed on national territory, which will be able to subordinate the task force established by Romania for defence, in addition to the forces made available by other NATO members. In accordance with this principle, the participants in the operation shall exchange information based on a mission-oriented network, to which NATO entities, national military ones, those with responsibilities in national security and public order (The Defence, Public Order and National Safety System) included and, possibly, some other countries or organisations will have access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss establishing a platform for the storage and dissemination of information about the Russian Armed Forces influenced by the Net-Centric Environment Joint Functional Concept. They explain the development for a centralized single information space is required to manage the automated systems that control documents such as information and process survey. They emphasize the need for a joint effort between the research institutions and the military.

Network Centric Warfare (NCW) is a keystone of the constant revolution in military affairs that continues apace within the defense establishment. Expanding the idea of what is traditionally understood as NCW, focusing more heavily on "network" vs. "warfare", this paper seeks to expand the consideration of NCW concepts. Treating NCW as encompassing not merely insight into intelligence/battlefield management, but overall combat support and service, the piece attempts to stimulate thought on NCW. A balanced examination tempers the indisputable advantages created by NCW's enhanced information, speed, and control with cautionary warnings on vulnerabilities, threats, support tail expansion, and most critically, the long-term risk of leadership atrophy and technology overdependence. NCW facilitates information sharing/ collaboration, enhancing information quality and expanding shared situational awareness across all levels of war. It enables collaboration and self- synchronization, while enhancing sustainability and speed of command. Technological innovations and their uses come with both advantages and disadvantages. Implementation of new concepts in warfare can create new weaknesses or vulnerabilities an enemy can seek to exploit. NCW is not immune; thus, a few of its inherent and/or derivative advantages and disadvantages are offered, with a brief consideration of each. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outwith the technological developments made with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV); other important issues for the users like effective planning and re-planning; providing the clear, concise and timely information to the decision makers is part of the Network Enabled Capability. Significant improvements to the Communication and Information systems have made it possible to find dynamic solutions for Vehicle Routing Problems. In this context, "Vehicle Routing" applications for UAVs in reconnaissance missions are increasing exponentially. This study investigates the literature in "dynamic route planning", defining the scope and identifying shortcomings for future studies in Unmanned Aerial Systems. Using this approach not only reduces stagnant travel time to target time but increases the usable times spent on targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Path selecting and task allocation are often studied in many military application. Some focus on the preparation stage and others on the attack stage. In this paper, we will model a path selecting problem before the mission starts and investigate the problem of finding better attack paths in the air-toground combat scenarios. We propose a minimal path sum algorithm (MPSA) for path selecting to realize the higher killing probability in one attack. Many necessary factors and their relationships are also studied in this algorithm. Finally, we conduct simulations of our proposed algorithm with multi- UAVs to multi-targets. The simulation results show that the missile's range is the most sensitive factor in many attack scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a paper that uses the probability theory to argue for adopting the concept of network-centric operations in the Russian Armed Forces. It presents a formula where the probability of success of an operation can be calculated based on the components of success such as the probability of achieving the combat objective, the probability of detecting the enemy and the probability of hitting the opposing forces. It discusses ways of enhancing an operation's probability of success.

The article focuses on the introduction of an all-purpose automated troops control system (APATCS), which is said to be a key condition for successful network-centric warfare in Russian Armed Forces. It cites the benefit of the system including its ability to create new conditions for armed struggle to be pursued that can lead to radical changes in its characteristics. It also discusses these conditions including possession of information and decision made by each commander.

The article focuses on the specifics in forming groups of forces to fulfill combat missions in network-centric warfare. It mentions the principal components of a group of forces having a decisive influence on the performance of their tasks including an automated troops and weapons control system (ATCS) and a communications and data exchange (CADEX) system. It also discusses the principal factors that determine information support for combat operations including information status.

Copyright of Military Engineer / Hadmérnök is the property of National University of Public Service and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article presents an analysis of the fundamental characteristics of the network-centric warfare (NCW) concept, as well as its strong and weak points, and examines the technical and organizational issues faced by foreign and Russian military science for the concept to be practicable. Although the NCW concept, brought forward in 1992, has been tested in real wars and armed conflicts, the authors note that there is no clear understanding of what it essentially is.

The article discusses how the use of electronic warfare (EW) forces and weapons can reduce the losses of Air Force aircraft taking part in combat missions. Ensuring the safety of Air Force aircraft can reportedly be done by competently and opportunely employing EW units equipped with modern group protection weapons. The author discusses how they can be enhanced by improving the system of controlling them during air combat in network-centric warfare conditions.

The article discusses cybernetics, a science of information gathering, storage, transmission and processing that combines findings in philosophy and mathematics and applicable to general laws of control in a network-centric operations (NCO) system. It focuses on the principles of cybernetics which include multidimensional air-ground volume, multifunctionality and unification of efforts. The author attempts to put these principles into effect in combat operations by commanders and staff.

A Command Information System (CIS) in a broader sense can be defined as a set of hardware and software solutions by which one achieves real-time integration of organizational structures, doctrine, technical and technological systems and facilities, information flows and processes for efficient and rational decision-making and functioning. Time distribution and quality of information directly affect the implementation of the decision making process and criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the system in which the achievement of the most important role is an integrated telecommunications and computer network (ITCN), dimensioned to the spatial distribution of tactical combat units connecting all the elements in a communications unit. The aim is to establish the design methodology as a way of the ITCN necessary to conduct analysis and extract all the necessary elements for modeling that are mapped to the elements of network infrastructure, and then analyzed from the perspective of telecommunications communication standards and parameters of the layers of the OSI network model. A relevant way to verify the designed model ITCN is the development of a simulation model with which adequate results can be obtained. Conclusions on the compliance with the requirements of tactical combat and tactical communication requirements are drawn on the basis of these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, NCO (Network Centric Operation) has been intensively studied. The new concept provides many benefits by sharing information among distributed militaries linked by network. Based on these, we propose a novel correspondence algorithm of O(N²Log(N)) complexity while maintaining comparable BE (Battle Effects) with the optimal algorithm. We verify the efficiency of our algorithm in terms of complexity and BE by simulation and experiment. The results show that our algorithm improves BE up to 40% comparing to conventional random correspondence methods. Also, our algorithm speeds up by several orders comparing to the optimal algorithm while sacrificing BE only 6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors devise the basic elements of tactics to be used by electronic warfare (EW) forces and weapons entrusted by different arms of the service in a modern combined-arms combat as future-oriented EW weapons and complexes enter the service with the Land Forces. Figure are shown including a network-centric warfare model, structure of a method for electronic information blocking of a specific control body, and an information receiving and transmitting (IRT) subsystem.

The article discusses the network-centric warfare whose principal objective is effects-based operations. It describes network-centric warfare as a war where the combat strength of a troop grouping is increased because of the creation of an information-communication network that links information sources, control bodies and means of destruction. It suggests the manual approach for control at the tactical level until parity with the enemy in terms of network-centric technologies is achieved.

The Mahanian traditions of the US Navy and the legacy of Guilio Douhet for the US Air Force will lead them to view the emerging cyber challenge differently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Military Engineer / Hadmérnök is the property of National University of Public Service and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Common Router Network (CRN) concept is a key enabler for a robust, scalable, and efficient wide area network infrastructure applicable for maritime or land tactical and strategic environments. Based on the open standards of Internet Protocol (IP) it provides a secure and flexible means of exchanging a wide variety of information well beyond the capability of restrictive stovepipe data links. It is fundamentally aligned with the Protected Core Network (PCN) concept initiated from a research program undertaken by the NATO C3 Agency. It defines a flexible transport infrastructure supporting military operations based on Network Centric Warfare (NCW) principles. The CRN creates a loose coupling between the information domain and transport infrastructure, focusing on providing high service availability in high-threat environments while managing the available bandwidth. This paper discusses the fundamentals of the CRN, its application in the tactical maritime, land, and strategic environments and provides examples of its use for WAN connectivity of local area networks, maritime combat system training, and at-sea collaboration supporting anti-submarine warfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses concerns on the efficiency of network-centric operations and its relevance in conflicts like street fighting in cities at close quarters. It cites arguments that network-centric vision may be acceptable for operations at sea and air devoid of restraining factors but unsuitable for operations on land with unexpected twists and turns. It indicates that knowledge of the weak points of a network-centric concept may help identify soft spots of the probable high-tech enemy.

The article discusses the concept of network-centric warfare as a new model of fighting and armed forces control which contributes to a more efficient form of combat operations controlled expeditiously on the principle of self-synchronization of the troops' structure. It indicates that military operations at any part of the world can be controlled from the Pentagon directly through a global combat Internet. It notes that a military Internet can be developed for the Russian Armed Forces.

The article discusses the network-centric action operations in warfare with a view the present tactics of Russia's Armed Forces as the point of departure. It indicates that network-centric action lies in the transition from confrontation to concentrating efforts in areas where the enemy's vulnerability in weapons and fighting methods is detected. It proposes for a discussion on the content of reformed principles of network-centric action tactics.

The article presents the author's views on growing autonomy of armed unmanned vehicles (UVs) and problem of arms control for UVs. It mentions about the integration of UVs into network-centric operations. Topics discussed includes the concept of network-centric warfare (NCW), role of armed UVs in ongoing armed conflicts and miniaturisation of UVs.

The article discusses the impact of cyber warfare on U.S. Air Force's network operations (AFNETOPS). It states that the AFNETOPS relies on centralized control of the service's cyberspace and if it is tested by a serious cyber attack, it could fail and affect network defense. It notes that U.S. Air Force has abandoned decentralized execution allowing its cyberspace vulnerable to various attacks that could isolate base networks from the central networks units.

Imagine a civilian communications system is being temporarily relied upon by an opposing military force for vital operations. If one launches a computer network attack against the communications system, the operation may disable the opposing force's ability to function adequately and, as a result, prompt their surrender. The alternative course of action is to launch a traditional kinetic weapons attack in the hopes of inflicting enough casualties on the troops to induce surrender. Given these options, the law of war would encourage the utilization of the computer network attack because it would result in less unnecessary suffering. But is the same true if we are unsure of the collateral consequences of the computer network attack on a large civilian population that also relies on this communications system? For instance, because civilians use the same communications system to gather critical information, disabling the system might result in rioting, civil disorder, serious injuries, and deaths. Further, civilians may be unable to call for help, seek out medical assistance, or locate emergency response centers. Given these unknown yet potentially severe collateral consequences to civilians, it becomes less clear that a proportionality analysis under the law of war would favor the computer network attack over the traditional kinetic operation. In this article, Professor Lucian E. Dervan examines the application of the law of war to information operations and analyses the role of the Geneva Convention's utilitarian goals in determining the validity of computer network attacks against dual-use civilian objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the benefits of the Network Enabled Capability (NEC) which possesses emergent behaviors unattainable by any individual systems. It presents an analysis of theoretical models of the benefits of NEC. It states that NEC benefits should be assessed based on the enhancement or creation of new capabilities which are related to improvements or changes in effective utilization and information sharing.

The French authorities installed the country's first speed cameras in November 2003. More than 2,600 devices are in operation throughout the road and highway network in 2010. France has seen a significant decrease in the number of fatalities and injuries since the implementation of this speed enforcement program. The French system functions differently and has its own special characteristics when it is compared with other speed enforcement programs. An empirical analysis of this program can yield new findings regarding the enforcement mechanism and could open up new avenues for traffic safety policy. The first section shows how the French program was implemented and how it is operated. The second section offers a detailed investigation into the deterrent effect and punishment policy, followed by the French government. The final section focuses on the political consequences of implementation. This contribution highlights the insights the French automatic speed enforcement programme can yield for other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) can be implemented as one of sensor systems in Network Centric Warfare (NCW). Mobility support and energy efficiency are key concerns for this application, due to multiple mobile users and stimuli in real combat field. However, mobility support approaches that can be adopted in this circumstance are rare. This paper proposes Multiple Mobility Support Approach (MMSA) based on Probing Environment and Adaptive Sleeping (PEAS) to support the simultaneous mobility of both multiple users and stimuli by sharing the information of stimuli in WSNs. Simulations using Qualnet are conducted, showing that MMSA can support multiple mobile users and stimuli with good energy efficiency. It is expected that the proposed MMSA can be applied to real combat field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses issues concerning the adoption of the network centric system by the Russian Armed Forces. The U.S. has successfully applied a new system of managing modern warfare by using the principles of network centric warfare (NCW) and a similar system developed by the Russian military would definitely benefit the country. Several problems must be addressed before full implementation of the system is accomplished including problems such as the Russian military's inadequate scientific background and lack of systemic approach.

The article focuses on the concept of Network Centric Warfare (NCW). The science of war and its technology has been evolving and the 21st century is no different. The NCW concept was developed by the U.S. Armed Forces and is a new management system used to control the military in 21st century operations. The concept of NCW was formulated from principles introduced by American futurologists Alvin and Heidi Toeffler who declared that nations fight a war and manage their army similar to how they conduct business and how they acquire wealth.

An essay is presented on network-centric warfare. It offers information on the military warfare that involves the combination of tactical theory and development projects in network military. The author mentions network aesthetics describing the narrative and formal styles which channel global interconnected systems. He explains the significance of studying the economic, political and cultural relations that composed the assemblages and the network-centric warfare model.

The article discusses the use of robotic technology as part of network centric warfare. It highlights developments in war-fighting technology that separates the warfighter from the consequences of their actions by as much as several thousand miles. Robot planes are guided by and communicating through space satellite technology. A market-research firm describes drones as big business which is expected to reach 4.7 billion U.S. dollars in global sales. The authors underline the condemnation of using drones as weapons. Drone attacks are described by international lawyers as state-sanctioned assassinations. The authors warn of a rapid rise in civilian casualties due to drone attacks. Peace activists consider robotic technology as neither surgical, nor antiseptic, nor moral.

The article discusses the Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS), a potent twenty-first century weapon system created by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) for the Air Force. It notes that focusing on the human factor allows the realization of the full potential of the network-centric operations of DCGS. It states the importance of focusing on the efficiency and effectiveness of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to combat units.

This paper addresses a ubiquitous middleware which provides semantic military service based on context-awareness in network centric warfare (NCW). First, we present its architecture and then, describe its applications. It consists of two layers: Context-aware Computing Layer and Ubiquitous Core Computing Layer. The former offers the context inferred from the raw sensed data, and the latter finds and executes automatic military services based on the inferred contexts in order to provide an intelligent automatic military operation environment. We shall show that the proposed middleware allows us to execute automatic military operations by providing a decision support system using context-awareness service in ubiquitous computing for various military applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]