Developed high-fidelity, discrete event simulation models for full protocol stack of the Future Combat System (FCS) Urban-Unmanned Ground Sensor (U-UGS) system. Models included customized physical RF layer, 802.15.4 MAC layer, ZigBee NWK network layer (including AODV-based routing), and custom application processes. An Excel-based, parameterized scenario generator was developed to facilitate flexible experiment design. Testing was conducted to stress different topologies, message load levels, radio range limits and stochastic variations.
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Provided subject matter expertise to a program executive office team developing a 5-year modeling and simulation strategy. Final report was targeted toward managerial and executive audiences and included assessment of current and desired states, as well as suggestions for critical path milestones and near-term tasking. Engineering, Operational, and Acquisition use of C4ISR M&S were considered.
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Provided debug and development support for a Java-based Eclipse application graphically displaying digital tactical radio performance data. Interactive graphical user interface (GUI) displayed system data in real-time during live tests, or post test via MySql test database. Additional features included node drag/drop capability, position and status bar updates, and 3-dimensional link distance calculations.
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Designed and developed flexible SATCOM modem model based on MIL-STD-188-165A (Interoperability and Performance Standards for SHF Satellite Communications PSK Modems (FDMA Operation)) and MIL-STD-164 (Interoperability and Performance Standards for C-Band, X-Band, and Ku-Band SHF Satellite Communications Earth Terminals). Model included consideration of modulation schemes (BPSK, QPSK, OQPSK, 8-PSK), convolutional forward error correction (FEC) coding, Reed-Solomon coding, and differential coding at data rates from 9.6 to 51,840.0 Kbps.
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Developed generalized model of the JTRS Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) from open source information. Model included multi-channel operation with both TDMA scheduling and CSMA access depending on traffic type. Model supports standard Combat Communications data rates (56 Kbps to 2.4 Mbps) and integrates standard TCP-UDP/IP traffic sources in addition to tightly-controlled stochastic source models.
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Modified network simulation environment graphical user interface to include options to export model configuration information in Cisco IOS Configlet format (CLI).  Exported files included system, interface, and wireless channel parameters.
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Modified and extended existing Combat Identification model suite that includes Battlefield Tactical IDentification System (BTIDS), Radio-Based Combat Identification (RBCI), and visual observer models.  Model logic accounts for human operators in-the-loop and a range of possible ID-triggering behaviors and events.  Developed generalized combat ID performance metrics to allow direct comparison of competing/complimentary technical solutions.
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Integrated the MIMIC SNMP simulator with a real-time network simulation environment to provide SNMP support in a hybrid live/virtual network test-bed.  Developed a custom communication protocol and data management interface to allow co-simulation, providing an integrated, real-time, seamless SNMP control of live, simulated, and emulated systems.  Final product supported both IPv6 and SNMPv3.
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Implemented an algorithm to identify partitions in a network of mobile entities and arbitrary laydown. Final product was an animation tool to visualize the dynamic nature of partitioning due to mobility.
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Provide subject matter expertise to independent evaluator, focusing on model accreditation and use of models for formal system evaluation. WIN-T is a simulation-based acquisition (SBA) program incorporating network simulations as a primary data source for Testing and Evaluation (T&E). Responsibilities include liaison with other M&S stakeholders (developers, program managers, verification and validation agent, and outside parties) and independent assessment of M&S fitness for evaluation use.
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Extended the standard OPNET WLAN model to support bridging from fixed infrastructure to mobile subscribers.
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Integrated models of the Wideband Network Waveform (WNW) and the Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) to assess heterogeneous system performance. Applied models to tactically relevant use case scenarios. Identified and characterized advanced technical challenges including topology control, ad hoc routing design, and address management issues.
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Designed and executed simulation studies to quantify performance of the JTRS Cluster 1 (multi-channel vehicular and rotary wing variants). Experiments highlighted impact of maneuver on independent radio enclaves moving into close proximity and the challenges posed by airborne nodes. Model suite included functionality of Wideband Networking Waveform (WNW), Mobile Internet (MI) and Mobile Data Link (MDL) sub-layers, and High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryption (HAIPE) providing red/black separation.
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Developed verification and validation (V&V) plan for a communication effects server. Network simulator design used discrete event simulation to provide communication effects in real-time to a joint, HLA-based federation of platform simulators for virtual training applications.
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Developed model of the On Demand Multicast Routing Protocol (ODMRP) protocol and integrated it into models of lightweight, wearable radios.  ODMRP is an ad-hoc routing protocol designed to provide fast propagation for data across dynamic wireless networks with specific support for multicast applications.
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Provided on-site support at field test events to visualize complex situational awareness data produced by the Future Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2) system. Created animations of FBCB2 performance based on analysis of situational awareness data available, including compare/contrast with known ground-truth. Metrics included visibilities, network connectivity, friendly and enemy platform locations, platform movement, and timeliness of information. Ported functionality to a GIS toolset that allowed more sophisticated visualization and better analysis capabilities of FBCB2's GPS and temporal data.
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Stabilized the existing DOCSIS models in a new release of OPNET (v9.0).  Extended the new DOCSIS models to include Packet Cable functionality.
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Developed custom post-processor to allow simulation results to be used as input in a laboratory environment for realizing emulated user terminal behavior and performance. Resulting system provided first-person view of the impact of engineering changes to a broadband multimedia satellite network before and after system deployment.
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Performed model development/integration and executed engineering trade studies to analyze cost/benefit characteristics of emerging tactical radio technologies. Technology modeled included distributed resource allocation algorithms and directional antenna technology. Model suites facilitated proof-of-concept demonstrations and helped assess system scalability.
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Developed and integrated models of the Bluetooth wireless personal area network (WPAN) and WiFi wireless local area network (WLAN) protocols. Resulting models included protocol logic derived from third parties as well as a high-precision PHY model that accounted for coding diversity and variation. High-fidelity models were used to validate lower fidelity abstractions. Bluetooth models were extended to include adaptive collision mitigation based on dynamic frequency hopping, power management, and forward error control (FEC) techniques.
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Developed high-fidelity model of the Proximity-1 Space Link Protocol (Synchronous Mode). Link protocol was integrated into a customer-developed model suite representing the SBIRS-Low (Space-Based Infra-Red Satellite - Low) ballistic missile defense system for analysis operational timelines that included event sensing, data fusion, and information dissemination.
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Integrated DNS functionality into standard OPNET™ FTP and HTTP application models. Separate process extensions modeled DNS clients, local servers (one DNS tier), and remote server (N-tiers, within an IP cloud).
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Developed detailed models of the XTP protocol for use in satellite gateway applications. Simulation studies focused on performance enhancements over TCP in both end-to-end and proxy (splitting/spoofing) applications.
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Developed models of the DVB-RCS data link layer including a flexible, centralized resource allocation manager. Model included options to emulate terrestrial-return system for direct performance comparison.
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Developed a 10 GB IP/Ethernet switch model for a proprietary, optical, adaptive ring system. Model enhancements allowed the aggregate ring models to perform Ethernet switching and IP routing functions that were compatible with existing IT infrastructure models.
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Researched current state-of-the art tactical network simulation environments including the Network Warfare Simulator (NETWARS), the Next Generation Performance Model (NGPM), and tool suite for the Simulation and Evaluation of Adaptive Mobile Large Scale Systems (SEAM-LSS). Reviewed current tactical C2 modeling programs and potential interfaces to network performance models. Evaluated ancillary interfaces and tools that provide analytical modeling capability, satellite orbit propagation, network management integration and statistical/mathematical simulation post-processing capabilities.
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Developed a wireless model suite that included an efficient ad-hoc routing protocol, TDMA MAC protocol, and directional wireless transceiver elements. Models are being used to quantify the efficiency gains offered by a unique routing update procedure. Models accounted for the distributed processing capabilities of the radio nodes, synchronization and bootstrapping of the TDMA protocol, neighbor discovery and notification, and a computationally efficient RF propagation and broadcast modeling paradigm. Simulation results include studies of node-to-node discovery times, routing protocol convergence timing, and the impact of the routing configuration on network traffic loads.
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Developed model suite to enable the assessment of competing TCP splitting/spoofing schemes for improved delivery of broadband Internet services via geosynchronous satellites. Analysis requirements include the automated generation of large network models with complex topology, routing, and configuration specifications. Modular model architecture allowed mix-and-match specification among various Transport and Data Link protocols.
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Modified existing Data Over Cable (DOCSIS) models to operate over wireless channels and use closed-loop application models over TCP/IP protocols. Performance of the original frequency division multiplexed (FDM) system was compared to a time division duplexing (TDD) technique. Simulation studies quantified the bandwidth utilization gains while validating latency and throughput expectations. Additional enhancements in the new system included MAC-layer ARQ (go-back-N) and flexible forward error correction (FEC) coding.
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Implemented models of existing and emerging geolocation computational mechanisms. Relative performance of systems based on time of arrival (TOA), time difference of arrival (TDOA), angle of arrival (AOA), and Doppler techniques were supported. The models estimated geolocation errors based on both cooperative and non-cooperative transmitters. Studies included both terrestrial and space-based applications for commercial and military systems.
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Developed model of a sophisticated, flexible MAC scheme for use with geo-synchronous communication satellites. Protocol included static reservation, dynamic reservation, and contention mechanisms for bandwidth allocation management. Earth stations models were designed to support interfaces to standard ATM-, Ethernet-, and serial IP-based model elements. Bandwidth allocation required dynamic management of 4-dimensional resource maps. Custom, abstract, wireless channel models were implemented to reduce the computational burden associated with radio channel performance modeling.
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Evaluated eleven tools from commercial software vendors with offerings in the areas of analytical performance modeling, discrete event simulation, and pricing/tariff analysis.
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Developed models of novel Asynchronous Transfer mode (ATM) switch architecture in order to define new levels of performance for ATM switches while minimizing the number of stages in the switch architecture. Components being modeled included input port controllers, cell concentrators, Batcher/sorter/trap networks, and output buffering schemes. Primary performance metrics included cell latency and latency variation, cell loss probability, and buffer utilization for a variety of switch sizes, configurations, and traffic profiles.
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Developed models of application processes and medium access control (MAC) protocols for emerging proprietary wireless control system network. MAC channel arbitration mechanisms were based on multiple message priorities, a sophisticated collision avoidance algorithm, and a multi-level retransmission sequence. Analysis included support for varying system clock crystal drift rates and non-deterministic delays associated with oscillator wake-up cycle and phase locked loop synchronization. Typical and worst case current drain requirements were analyzed to project battery life expectancies. Follow-on work involved optimizing protocol by simplifying contention methods and using multi-level acknowledgement schemes.
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Modified existing Ethernet hub models to support transparent bridging between high speed (100BaseT) and low speed (10BaseT) collision domains within a single network device. Resulting models were used to study tactical internet applications anticipated for the US Army's First Digitized Division (FDD).
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Adapted SINCGARS radio models to include time-dependent synchronization and collision resolution. Also integrated table-driven RF communications probabilities generated by the US Army Link Assessment Model (LAM). Integration significantly reduced simulation complexity by exploiting previously generated, time varying, scenario-specific RF communication probability matrices.
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Developed models to study the migration of high-speed air-ground data communications link from custom architecture to ATM architecture. Model incorporated asymmetric communication requirements with support for multiple qualities of service. ATM Adaptation Layer (AAL) types 5 and 2 were used to support quality-critical and time-critical traffic, respectively. Model required extensive modifications to existing ATM model suite including ATM Interface, ATM Adaptation Layer, and RF link budget models to support X-band communication at speeds up to 275 Mbps over proprietary, software-based radios.
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