Intelligent network configuration optimization toolkit (INCOT)

Abstract

Stottler Henke has developed and continues to enhance the Intelligent Network Configuration Optimization Toolkit (INCOT) for the USA air force. INCOT's goal is to provide an intelligent tool to allow for the rapid design and optimization of communication networks driven by user requirements, while eliminating the need to have knowledge of a complex network simulation product, such as OPNET Modeler. There is currently a great need for a solution that dramatically reduces the complexity of network configurations for rapid field deployment. By incorporating expert knowledge of network engineering, policies, available components and their characteristics, INCOT provides an interactive goal-driven rapid design tool. The user is led through the network design process via a step-by-step requirements-driven hierarchical workflow that automates much of the low-level details of network design. INCOT interfaces with OPNET products (e.g., Modeler) as well as NETWARS and TNAPS+. For example, INCOT can automatically lay out all the network components in OPNET Modeler or NETWARS. INCOT also includes a stand-alone TNAPS+ translator so TNAPS+ networks can be brought into OPNET tools or NETWARS for further analysis. INCOT is an open system and includes a powerful visual authoring tool that allows network experts to enhance INCOT's logic, automations, policies and constraints. The authoring tool supports complex logic, algorithms and procedures to analyze data in order to drive appropriate actions. For example, with INCOT's visual authoring tool an expert can author classified logic, policies and constraints. INCOT is extending the power of network simulation tools, such as OPNET Modeler, NETWARS and TNAPS+, while simplifying its operation for the air force and other DoD network engineers, thus allowing less experienced network engineers to perform efficient and effective network engineering. INCOT is available now and is free to anyone in the DoD.