Optimization of Information Collection and Distribution Across a Limited Communications Network

Abstract

We explore the problem of defining information collection and exchange between various resources (e.g., unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ground control stations (GCSs), etc.) in a bandwidth-constrained environment. The success of military missions relies on being able to effectively communicate important information to various people and/or resources. In intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, resources (e.g., UAVs) are tasked to gather data via sensors capable of collecting myriad types of data (e.g., photographs, videos, etc.). That data must travel through the network to reach analysts, commanders, etc. However, the military notoriously operates in extremely bandwidth-constrained environments. One way of mitigating this issue is providing each resource a bandwidth allocation schedule, or the times which the resource may use the network bandwidth to transmit data, as is currently done for assets operating on Link-16. With this method as inspiration, a multi-phase heuristic approach is presented which defines sensor tasking for UAVs, bandwidth allocation for all resources, and the route the data will travel through the network to reach desired consumers. Three methods for bandwidth allocation are presented: a baseline equal allocation method, a static unequal method (modeled after the Link-16 framework), and a time variant method. Preliminary analysis proves that the time variant approach provides timely solutions and out-performs the two static methods with improved mission value and less time between collection and consumer reception of data.