Intelligent Network Configuration Optimization Toolkit (INCOT)

Phase I SBIR Prototype Briefing 2001 November

Robert Richards SHAI
Stottler Henke Associates, Inc. 1660 South Amphlett Blvd., Suite 350 San Mateo, CA 94402 650-655-7242 FAX: 650.655-7243 richards@shai.com www.shai.com

Paul Janes OPNET Technologies

OPNET Technologies, Inc. 7255 Woodmont Avenue Bethesda, MD 20814 240-497-3000 Fax: (240) 497-3001 pjanes@opnet.com www.opnet.com

Overview
SHAI background OPNET background Related Projects Objectives Architecture AI & other techniques Task schedule Commercialization Issues and concerns

SHAI Background
AI R&D consulting firm, founded in 1988 Artificial Intelligence Professionals AI Projects over 100 Variety of AI Techniques

Why Partnering with OPNET

Leader in predictive network management software for network design, deployment, and operations. Proven technology: Since 1987 thousands of organizations have used OPNET Modeler OPNET products designed to be enhanced by third parties.

Related Projects
Decision support system to assist LSOs land aircraft on aircraft carriers (SHAI) NETWARS: Assists in communications burden analysis, and contingency analysis. Interfaces with OPNET Modeler (OPNET)

Objectives
Develop AI interface to OPNET Modeler to configure & optimize networks in the field Via
Expert knowledge of devices Adherence to policies Goal directed optimization Interactive with user

Phase I Objectives
Requirements Knowledge engineering Determine AI techniques Design Phase II system
Goals, features, methodology, algorithms, user interface, supported network protocols/types

Implement proof-of-concept prototype

Overall Architecture
INCOT
Adaptive Intelligent User Interface Visualization Expert System
Visualizations / Queries / Results

Goals / * direction User

Policies Database

Query Engine

*Includes
Available equipment list Geography / location Requirements Active policies Priorities

Case-Based Expert Reasoner

Configuration

Results

Devices Database

Environment / Geography Database

OPNET Products

Phase I Prototype Architecture Relative to Overall Architecture

INCOT
Adaptive Intelligent User Interface Visualization Expert System
Visualizations / Queries / Results

Goals / * direction User

Policies Database

Query Engine

*Includes
Available equipment list Geography / location Requirements Active policies Priorities

Case-Based Expert Reasoner

Configuration

Results

Devices Database

Environment / Geography Database

OPNET Products

OPNET in Implementation
OPNET Modeler, with the following add-on modules
Radio Terrain Modeling

OPNET Development Kit (ODK)

Air Force Deployable Communications Architecture

Scenario for Network Engineer

Rapidly deploy a camp in Afghanistan
2 geographically separated sub-networks connected via line-of-site microwave connection 1 sub-network has satellite link

INCOT Workflow
Drill down to deployment location Select the closest pre-built generic network layout to deployment Adjust sub-network locations Add or remove components easily via customized palettes of available components. Verify links

INCOT Workflow (cont.)

Have INCOT automatically determine a viable location for the satellite uplink Review terrain profile between antennae Have INCOT automatically determine viable microwave antennae locations Analyze the network Modify if necessary.

Major INCOT Enhancements

Simplified Iconized workflow Pre-built network with pre-configured subnetworks RULES: Automated rules and algorithms to determine
satellite uplink location line-of-sight antennae locations

Customized palette to provide only available options

Satellite Uplink without INCOT

User needs to understand Modeler, including the Radio and Terrain modules Every attempted location requires a simulation run, which the user needs to know how to perform properly and needs to know how to interpret. To make the solution easier, user inclined to place higher on the hill than necessary

Review of Demonstration & Architecture

INCOT
Adaptive Intelligent User Interface Visualization Expert System
Visualizations / Queries / Results

Goals / * direction User

Policies Database

Query Engine

*Includes
Available equipment list Geography / location Requirements Active policies Priorities

Case-Based Expert Reasoner

Configuration

Results

Devices Database

Environment / Geography Database

OPNET Products

Phase I Proves SHAI/OPNET Approach

Collaboration risk
Synergy not Quagmire

Phase II prototype can & should be deployed Commercialization

Framework Actual knowledge