State-based network management: from the electricity grid to the global information grid

The architecture of the global information grid with respect to network centric operations is being established and refined through successive reference models, whose communities of interest are geographic in nature. The general problem domain of network operations represents a challenge, given the primitive nature of COTS components. A latent problem of dynamic network reconfiguration and resource allocation exists, for which a cross-industry model is being developed. State-based network management introduces an object-oriented framework for operating data networks that uses Hayes-Roth's concept of valued information at the right time (VIRT). Traditional network management requires a static topology and extensive heuristic filtering of redundant data to identify the origin of faults. SBNM instead relies on publish-subscribe mechanisms for horizontally-organized systems for the most efficient "push and pull" of information. Data stores necessary for SBNM include application-specific, geographically-located data flow information with service quality requirements, as well as an inventory of available links and nodes. An SBNM engine regularly compile network topology and, upon some network alarm event, recommend a new topology to meet application-location requirements. Some regions in the U.S. electricity grid are adopting a similar XML messaging scheme, as well as synchronized and standardized instrumentation and telemetry. This approach develops appropriate definitions for system state and stability but does not maintain detailed demand or load requirements. In this regard, network SBNM holds an advantage. State-based network management is an application that can be a leading exemplar of network centric information sharing at the application layer. Through the Worldwide Consortium for the grid, the development of SBNM can affect standards and policy in both government and commercial sectors