ARCNET: A System-of-Systems Architecture Resource-Based Collaborative Network Evaluation Tool

Rapid advances in information technology and the increased emphasis on joint operations results in highly networked, interoperable Systems-of-Systems (SoS). The units comprising the SoS must act in collaboration with each other to establish and maintain information superiority and battlespace dominance. The problem that arises, however, is that there are few Modeling & Simulation tools that exist for quantifying the benefits of collaboration during a military mission. To address this need, this paper details the application of an Architecture Resource-Based Collaborative Network Evaluation Tool (ARCNET). ARCNET provides an estimation of the impact on mission effectiveness resulting from changes in collaboration between military units. These changes may be due to differences in interoperability, resource exchanges, and force structure. Ultimately, this will lead to more robust decision making during military SoS architecture selection.