Network Management

1
Network Management the Future

• IDLS 2003
• Steve Bridges
• Operations support
• Thales Air operations

2
Scope

• Introduction
• Network Management Evolution
• Future Development
• ... Beyond

3
Tactical Data Links

• 20 years experience of developing Data Link
  solutions
• Implementation of all NATO Tactical Data Links
• Message Processing, Data Track Management
  Software Development
• Turnkey Stand-alone Situational Awareness
  products
• Link-to-link Buffer Systems
• Multi-link management systems and understanding
• Remote Terminal Management
• Tactical Mobility

4
JAPNMS

• Genesis of the TAO NMS - UK JAPNMS.
• The JAPNMS facilitates the import of Network
  Design information and provides
• Daily network planning activities
• Dynamic time slot management and violation
  monitoring
• Relay Mode Management
• Civil Aviation Frequency Clearance monitoring
• Remote terminal initialisation and crypto keying.

5
JAPNMS

• JAPNMS is a fixed installation with 4 ground
  buffers providing network management coverage of
  the main eastern UK training areas.
• The system has three control stations with one
  being active, one active stand-by and the other
  offline.

6
JAPNMS Architecture
Network Buffer Site(s)
NCM Workstation
Active
Terminal Interface Unit
Terminal
1553b
NCM Workstation
X.25
Stand-by
UNITER
NCM Workstation
Offline
7
JAPNMS Architecture
Core HCI
Terminal Routing
Stand-by Synchronisation
8
Transportable JAPNMS Facility

• More recently the RAF identified the need for a
  rapid reaction facility to support out of area
  operations.
• The Transportable JAPNMS Facility (TJF) provides
  an entire Link 16 suite capable of supporting the
  needs of
• Joint Force Air Component HQ
• Joint Interface Control Officers

9
TJF Architecture
Network Buffer Site(s)
NCM Workstation
Server
Terminal
1553b
NCM Workstation
Client
LAN
NCM Workstation
Client
10
TJF Architecture
Orbix Talk
Server
Core
Terminal Routing
LAN
(Inactive)
Stand-by Synchronisation
Up to 16
11
Capability Map
Design Import Export
OPTASK Link Generation
Partitioned Pool Management
Timeslot Violation Monitoring
Optimise Timeslot Allocations
Time slot usage
FCA Violation Monitoring
Over the Air Initialisation
Transmit/Receive Terminal Initialisation
Actual Connectivity
Relay Zone Management
Duty Factors
IDS/JIC Management
Low Level Timeslot Management
Manage CVLLs
Theoretical Connectivity
FCA Violation Prediction
Automatic Capacity Re-allocation
12
NATO ACCS NCM

• TAO selected to provide the Link 16 Network
  Control Management capability as part of the
  NATO ACCS LOC1 programme.
• Following our assimilation into the Thales
  organisation this is our first opportunity to
  marry together the
• Thales Comms DLIP/Link T
• ACSI (TRS) Command system
• and TAO NCM.
• These products are now being exploited for a
  number of prospects.

13
NCM Concept

• GOALS
• Create a solution that facilitates but does not
  enshrine todays practice.
• Flexibility to enable the evolving policy to be
  layered on top of the solution.
• Allow independent management and operation within
  a link 16 network.
• Allow the devolution of the link 16 network
  management tasks across the NATO ACCS system.
• Enable operation of a unified link 16 network
  with multiple ACCS and non-ACCS entities managing
  the same network.

14
Introduction

• Scope of Supply
• L16 Network Management Software for the NATO ACCS
  LOC 1 programme.
• 7 Licences - 1 MTIF, 1 STVF and 5 VV sites.
• Schedule
• ITP received Nov 2001.
• Contract signed June 2002.
• Major ECP introduced May 2003.
• Revised contract completion June 2005.
• Incremental delivery - 7 builds (Build 1/2
  completed)

15
NCM Concept

• Centralised NCM Approach
• Central NCM, a Network Control Management
  System
• The NCM provides centralised control over many
  IDPF providing an extensive suite of functions in
  support of Operation Network (OPNET) Management.
• Terminal Site NCM, an Initialisation Data
  Preparation Facility (IDPF)
• The IDPF provides the capability to construct
  Initialisation Data Files (IDF), to initialise
  terminals, monitor terminal health and supports
  network participation.

16
NCM Concept
AET
Sample AET Configurations
Terminal
Central SW
Library Mgmt Planning
IDF Construction
Network Participation
Term Site SW
T
T
Sub-Network Management Configurations
Network Management Configurations
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
17
NCM Concept

• NCM CLUSTER
• Interconnection of Central NCM and Terminal Site
  NCMs
• Fully capable and self-contained Network
  Management capability.
• From a member nation's perspective this
  configuration would allow the control and
  management of a Link 16 Network on a day to day
  basis.

18
NCM Concept

• A Cluster has a single Active Central NCM and
  optionally a single Stand-by Central NCM at an
  alternate site.
• Active and Stand-by maintain synchronisation.
• Stand-by takes over in case of loss of Active
  Central NCM site.

19
NCM Concept

• When operating a unified network the Central NCM
  of each participating nation's cluster may be
  connected together.
• When connected, the various NCMs communicate with
  one another and facilitate sub network
  management.
• Responsibilities are planned in advance but can
  be overridden at operator discretion at any
  cluster.

20
Major New Features For NCM

• Major New Features
• STANAG Edition 3
• Sub Network Management
• Multi Net Management
• Multi Hop Management
• Dual Redundancy

21
NCM Software Architecture
22
NCM Software Architecture

• NATO ACCS Infrastructure Interfaces

23
NCM Software Architecture

• Client Server Design Principle
• Server SSI abstracts infrastructure, client
  accesses through the server.
• Captured CSCI environment.
• Eases integration into other systems.

24
NCM Software Architecture

• Server Interface Adaptation

DAFIF OPTASK Link
IMS
NCM Area
PS
Nav Aids
Ground Env
CDS
Online Plan
JICs
CAS
Key Holdings
Resource Files
FS
Design Library
Plan Library
CRRS
CTS
Transfer Area
CNS
Network Designs
Network Plans
SCM
Standby
Other Clusters
Terminal Site
Map Data
Key Lists
25
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
26
Future Developments

• TAO has committed private venture to study
• Multi Link Management (L11, Sat-J, JRE)
• Multi MIDS Network Management
• Multi-terminal type Management
• HMI Enhancements
• Operator Journals
• Improved NMS features
• Automatic, Dynamic management

27
Conclusion

• World-leading experience in network management
• Mature, OTS product with a proven pedigree in the
  very complex environment of automated, dynamic
  management of Link 16 capacity.
• Developed advanced multi-link and multi-design
  capabilities
• Substantial planned development of the NATO NCM
  product, through NATO/UK enhancements and
  on-going TAO PV investment.
• Additional major enhancements are actively being
  studied to meet the needs of current customers
• Offers long-term, through life value for money

28
Conclusion

• TAO offers
• The most sophisticated, operational Link 16
  Network Management software in service today.
• The level of support and training demanded by the
  users of operational systems in the UK and NATO
  military.
• Mature core software.
• A low-risk, OTS, value for money solution.
• Benefits of UK NATO European interoperability
• Long-term future proofing through continued
  product development.

29
Any Questions?

• TAO welcome visit to
• Internal Stand 17
• External Stand