TIGR in Iraq and Afghanistan: Network-adaptive distribution of media rich tactical data

The Tactical Ground Reporting (TIGR) system provides a unique multimedia patrol preparation and debriefing tool tailored to the needs of the patrol leader, and is used by all U.S. Army brigades in Iraq and Afghanistan. The distribution of data from geographically dispersed patrols requires network awareness and policy flexibility. The TIGR system utilizes an application overlay on to the tactical network that is tailored to the distribution of rich media. This architecture results in the theater-wide replication of compressed reports and meta-data, while the storage of full-quality media is distributed to the node closest to where the media was created. Thumbnail and other compressed media representations are replicated according to policy to meet soldier needs. Full-quality media can be accessed on demand from any location in the network. Network utilization is controlled by a policy-based content subscription system, a priority queuing mechanism, and the discrete scheduling of network traffic. In this paper, we focus on the requirements for media rich tactical applications, detail a system that meets those requirements, and discuss experiences using TIGR in theater.