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The thesis presents a secure communication architecture for net centric operations which
is a relatively new paradigm for gaining superiority in the battlefield. The net centric
operation (NCO) dictates communication as an enterprise to maximize performance for
reducing the cost by optimally allocating resources and functionality across terrestrial, air
and space layers. The net centric operation connects sensors, communications systems
and weapons’ systems on information grid for providing real time information to war
fighters, policy makers and support personnel. The proposed network architecture
comprises of static nodes, semi-mobile nodes and fully mobile nodes. The static nodes
form strategic network, fully mobile nodes form tactical network while semi-mobile
nodes act as a gateway between strategic network and tactical network for long range
connectivity.
A secure cognitive network device (SCND) is presented to cater for the
ubiquitous connectivity required for the proposed architecture. A cognitive layer is
embedded in the SCND that integrates different networking and physical interfacing
technologies together thus adding another dimension in the field of networking. The
presented cross-layer architecture integrates different networking technologies by
exploiting vertical handoffs between networks employing different standards. The
cognitive layer is augmented by GPS device to learn the environment by remembering
the locations of patches of areas where connectivity tends to drop. The cognitive
controller routes the call on alternate carrier, having the best QoS in that patch. The
cognitive device therefore improves the link reliability and network coverage by
situational awareness and intelligent processing.
The concept of SCND is further extended for secure mobile backbone architecture for
tactical communication. The architecture comprises of mobile backbone nodes (MBNs)
and simple mobile nodes. This architecture supports long range communication
especially for mission critical applications like net centric warfare demanding rapid
deployment of communication infrastructure. The MBNs form clusters and adjust their
positions to provide optimum connectivity to their respective mobile nodes. The MBNs
are equipped with SCNDs and serve as the cluster head or centroid of the cluster. When
the mobile nodes in a cluster move, the MBN adjusts its position in such a way that on
ivone hand it provides optimum connectivity to its cluster nodes and on the other hand, it
remains connected to its backbone nodes. The MBN is assumed to have digital elevation
information. This is accomplished in reality by augmenting the nodes with digital
elevation models (DEMs). The height information helps for adjustment of different
antennae positions to achieve line of sight according to the terrain. The proposed
architecture also supports distributed computing with a novel framework of application
migration. The mobile nodes with limited battery life and computational resources can
offload their computational intensive applications to their corresponding MBNs. In the
proposed architecture, as the mobile node moves to become a part of another MBN, its
offloaded applications are automatically migrated to the new MBN.
A specially designed programmable and scalable security processor is another significant
component of secure network architecture. The programmability of the security processor
enables the porting of current and proprietary security algorithms as well. The scalable
and layered architecture supports very high data rates by instantiating multiple layers in
the design. The modularity of the design makes it suitable for national secure mobile
network infrastructure.
The proposed SCND employed in tactical communication for NCO is also applicable in
vehicular networks (VNet). Therefore, based on SCND, a secure cognitive vehicular
communication architecture is also presented for dispatching location aware, safety
critical and value added services in a unified vehicular network. The network
incorporates communication nodes with hybrid network access technologies in vehicles
and roadside infrastructure. The vehicular network consists of vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle
to roadside infrastructure and backbone communication with control and monitoring
centers. The system incorporates integrated multi telecommunication technologies like
HF, VHF, UHF, GSM, Satellite, Broadband Wireless and wired links. The architecture
divides the entire geographical region into major and minor zones. Each major zone has
its registrar to register and authenticate the nodes of its geographical area. The nodes in
the minor zones form local MANETS to exchange safety critical messages and form
heterogeneous networks for value added services. |
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