|
|
|
|
![1105 Media [purity]](/images/ds1_pntmlogo.gif "1105 Media [purity]") |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
home > May/June 2007 issue > article
|
|
 |
|
| Rick Steele |
|
| Patrick M. Ryan |
|
Designing IP networks for dynamic environments
By Patrick M. Ryan
Special to Defense Systems
Situations and operational requirements change quickly in the dynamic environment of a forward-deployed area, and the network infrastructure that supplies communications and information must be able to change with them. IP networking technology is not enough to guarantee the level of adaptability that today’s missions require.
Without the right design and implementation, a network can get bogged down in inflexible and isolated solutions that quickly become obsolete. Network architects can meet the challenge of creating agile networks for edge and tactical mission areas by using the following design protocols: - Treat the network as a mission system. IP networks have historically fallen into the realm of back-office systems. In this area, lowest-cost bidding is a traditional procurement practice, and systems functionality is often achieved through customization. The IP networks used by today’s military organizations are mission systems and should be acquired as such. They must be planned for and funded with an emphasis on quality and flexibility to satisfy operational requirements and prepare for future critical infrastructure needs.
- Create a top-down design. A carefully planned design — one in which every asset that walks, drives, flies and sails is a node on the network — can provide a practical, highly flexible framework for supporting critical missions in dynamic environments. Investing extra effort in the planning stage will pay off by reducing the work necessary to meet changing needs and creating an environment in which all new and existing resources can work together using a common infrastructure.
- Implement and expand incrementally using commercial equipment. Once the top-down design is created, the network can be built from the bottom up in achievable increments with commercial equipment.
With a global design in place, every new system will meld with the existing network instead of adding an isolated capability. Each system will also be able to take advantage of all the network’s resources, work collaboratively and productively with other systems, and evolve as new technologies become available. Commercial equipment adds the advantages of fast acquisition, rapid deployment and extreme agility, in addition to providing a cost-effective alternative to custom solutions. Network equipment should be purchased instead of built whenever possible.
Applying those principles to military network designs will directly affect the way commanders can field missions. In the past, missions were often constrained because technology lagged behind creativity. By incorporating these design principles, today’s networks can facilitate next-generation missions instead of limiting them.
The top-down design will provide access to information located in multiple systems and many locations. IP standards will help reduce reliance on custom solutions, so network administrators can quickly and routinely change, split and share functionality throughout the network. When new technologies become available and new infrastructure is necessary, the network can easily be updated without the time and cost of rearchitecting or wholesale recapitalization. Commercial equipment will decrease costs throughout the life cycle of the network by shifting significant development and upgrade costs to commercial industry, freeing needed funds for field use.
With an integrated design implemented as a mission system, IP networks can meet today’s dynamic military needs and adapt readily and cost-effectively to future, yet-unimagined requirements.
Patrick M. Ryan is director of Cisco Systems’ Defense Initiatives and Global Government Solutions division.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
