Network management in net-centric systems

Large net-centric systems are emerging both in the defense and civilian sectors in the USA. Examples include the global information grid (GIG) and the national security emergency preparedness (NS/EP) programs. There are some common features of such systems from the point of view of network management. This paper documents these common features and the network management requirements that they imply. The paper also researches the technologies that are needed to meet these requirements, and analyzes their readiness with respect to the capabilities needed to fulfill the network management requirements. A gap exists between the needed network management capabilities and what the current technologies can provide. This gap poses a problem for the emerging net-centric systems, the research communities in the network and service management, and the industry that provides the needed products.