A System Design Archetype for C4ISR Systems of the 21st Century
Abstract
In this paper we discuss the difficult issue of how to reliably design and build systems that are fundamentally suited to interoperate with one another. Ideally, all these systems would be constructed using the proposed design principles, but the requirement to interoperate with legacy systems is also recognized. It is not a traditional systems engineering or technology based approach. Rather, a set of key design principles is enumerated. They are, (i) interoperability and system integration, (ii) decoupling of architecture layers, (iii) decoupling of system components. There is also an emphasis placed on a design methodology embodying these design principles, which allows a flexible system design that changes infrequently, and a system implementation that changes constantly. Together with other invariants, these principles are embodied in a highly abstract and widely applicable system design archetype. Populating this archetype further with application frameworks and specifications of components and their behaviors progressively produces more detailed designs. In particular, the archetype identifies core components for storing and conveying arbitrary information between application components, as well as components for managing the dissemination of information around the wide-area network. Using this approach, a system concept demonstrator has been developed that embodies a new approach to building C4ISR support systems, in particular with the aim of addressing the challenges of tactical land environment. This concept demonstrator is an aspect of a broader integrated programme in which advanced technology solutions are developed in conjunction with new tactics, training, procedures, and organizational structures, within particular environmental and operational contexts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA467670
Entities
People
- Darryn Reid
- Wayne Johnson
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group