Networked simulation with HLA and MODSIM III

The paper describes a networked simulation application using HLA (The High Level Architecture) and MODSIM III, a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) object oriented simulation language. The Department of Defense (DoD) developed HLA for training simulation exercises, but HLA is applicable to a wide range of simulation work far beyond wargames. HLA is documented in terms of C++ and Java while discrete event simulations are often developed in a simulation language such as MODSIM III, SIMSCRIPT II.5, or SLX, or by using a graphical, domain-specific simulator such as COMNET III, SIMPROCESS or ProModel. The requirement addressed by the paper is to interface an existing discrete event simulation model to the HLA, in order to evaluate that task and to set directions for future work. To further direct focus on interfaces between HLA and a discrete event simulation, we deliberately chose a small simulation application developed in MODSIM III. Real simulations are, of course, more detailed, but will still use the same interfaces.