Message Routing Methods for a Tactical Air Control System Communications Network

摘要

An investigation is made of possible routing methods for use in a communications network linking Tactical Air Control System Command and Control centers. Important qualities for the routing methods are assumed to be ability to work in a distributed amorphous network, ability to adapt reliably to frequent changes in the network, and ability to take advantage of one-way communication links. Previous routing methods are reviewed and a new method is proposed. In the proposed method, each model unit reports the status of its inward links to all other units. Through these 'updates', each unit is able to construct its own 'model' of the system, and develop routing tables. A preliminary comparison of the methods is made, and areas for future research are recommended. Originator supplied keywords include: Backup, Distributed network, and Grace degradation.