Distributed Computation in the Digitized Battlefield

Abstract

A distributed computation is defined as several computers performing computation for a common purpose. There are three basic characteristics of this kind of systems, multiplicity of nodes, interconnection of nodes, and shared states among these nodes. This paradigm is analogous to a group of combat vehicles in a battlefield, pursuing a common goal. The three characteristics stated above have corresponding elements in a battlefield. The shared states among nodes are similar to a common goal for a group of combat vehicles. Moreover, combat vehicles correspond to multiple nodes in a distributed system. Finally, communication links among the combat vehicles are akin to interconnections of computing nodes. Due to these striking similarities, technologies developed for distributed computations may be readily applicable for a digitized battlefield of the future. However, due to a few distinctive factors of digitized ground combat, techniques of classical distributed systems must be extended to be useful. At the U.S. Army VETRONICS Technology Center, we have started an initiative to accomplish these enhancements. In this report, essential elements of the program and some interim findings are reported.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1999
Accession Number
ADA458081

Entities

People

  • Paul W Richardson
  • Susanta Sarkar

Organizations

  • Tank-automotive and Armaments Command

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Algorithms
  • Battlefields
  • Combat Vehicles
  • Communication Channels
  • Communication Networks
  • Computations
  • Dynamic Loads
  • Equations
  • Information Operations
  • Mathematical Analysis
  • Models
  • Networks
  • Simulations
  • Situational Awareness
  • Vehicles
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Calculus or Mathematical Analysis
  • Database Systems and Applications
  • Trauma or Military Medicine