Tactical edge networks present extremely challenging environments for communications given their wireless ad hoc nature and the inherent node mobility. Military applications such as Blue Force Tracking, inter-team communications, remote unmanned vehicle control, and sensor data mining/fusion thus have to deal with unstable links with limited bandwidth and variable latency. The peculiar characteristics of tactical networks call for peer-to-peer approaches to realize complex, adaptive, and fault-tolerant applications to be deployed in the battlefield. This article reports on our observations from several tactical networking experiments in which we have deployed state-of-the-art applications and services that leverage P2P communications. More specifically, we discuss why P2P approach- es are critical for tactical network environments and applications. We then analyze the requirements that should be satisfied by P2P middleware for tactical environments. Finally, we discuss a case study, the Agile Computing Middleware, and present experimental results that demonstrate its effectiveness.
Peer-to-Peer Communications for Tactical Environments: Observations, Requirements, and Experiences
TORTONESI, Mauro;STEFANELLI, Cesare;
2010
Abstract
Tactical edge networks present extremely challenging environments for communications given their wireless ad hoc nature and the inherent node mobility. Military applications such as Blue Force Tracking, inter-team communications, remote unmanned vehicle control, and sensor data mining/fusion thus have to deal with unstable links with limited bandwidth and variable latency. The peculiar characteristics of tactical networks call for peer-to-peer approaches to realize complex, adaptive, and fault-tolerant applications to be deployed in the battlefield. This article reports on our observations from several tactical networking experiments in which we have deployed state-of-the-art applications and services that leverage P2P communications. More specifically, we discuss why P2P approach- es are critical for tactical network environments and applications. We then analyze the requirements that should be satisfied by P2P middleware for tactical environments. Finally, we discuss a case study, the Agile Computing Middleware, and present experimental results that demonstrate its effectiveness.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.