Dynamic Ad-Hoc Network Communications Visualization and Control

Toyon Research Corporation proposes to develop the Geospatial Analysis and Planning Support (GAPS) Toolbox plug-in for the visualization of dynamic ad-hoc network communications effects with relevant detail required for effective mission planning, timely mission support, and seamless interoperability. In particular, we will develop the graphical means to display potential areas of communications failures, or choke points, and potential routes to where unmanned radio relays may have the most gain. In the GAPS Toolbox, the communications modeling approach utilizes digital terrain elevation data (DTED), radio engineering parameters, network topology information, and high fidelity, communication link budget models. Node connectivity, data throughput, and network reach may be displayed, and relevant statistics may be output to log files. Building upon the foundation of our software solution, the final software will be able to interface real-time with a variety of existing radio networks, including Toyon's low-cost radio hardware, as well as Army Research Laboratory's unmanned ground vehicles and radios. Ultimately, Toyon will advance the toolbox to a deployable solution that is capable of accurate communication link analysis, verification, and modification with an easy-to-use graphical user interface.