Self-configuration management system design for tactical battlefield networks

As the impetus to extend computer and communications as far possible into the battlefield continues to grow, configuration management of these computer and communication networks becomes a challenging task. The challenges stem mainly from the volatile connectivity (due to network element failures) and sporadic mobility (due to the dynamics of the battlefield theatre). This paper proposes a self-configuration management system for such battlefield networks. The issues addressed and resolved by the proposed design are: (a) self-configuration-the ability to adapt and configure the network without human intervention when the network elements relocate, and (b) robustness-the ability to provide continued service in the midst of random network facility failures.