COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT THESIS PROPOSAL

A. General Information

1. Name: Ng Min Yew Calvin and Lim Meng Hwee
2. Curriculum: Computer Science 368
3. Co-advisor: Prof Brian B Steckler & Prof Gurminder Singh
4. Academic Associate: Professor Tom Otani
5. Date of Graduation: December 2007

B. Area of Research
This thesis targets to develop a more defined framework and architecture for Hastily Formed Network (HFN). It will entail a spectrum of COTS hardware (e.g. Mobile Command and Control (C2) center, communication network), software (e.g. resource optimizing tools), and information assurance mechanisms and devices (e.g. crypto devices, multilevel security structures) that could support a wider continuum of militants or Non-government Organization (NGOs) humanitarian and crisis relief missions as well as ah-hoc anti-terrorist threats mission. This architecture should also address a multinationals coalition operation on a fly. Information technologies will be identified and introduced to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency in the collaboration aspects for the multinational operations.

C. Research Questions

1. What should the system architecture of HFN in a diversified environment be?
2. How should information assurance be introduced to HFN in considering of the diversity of participating organizations?
3. How can information technology enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the collaboration?
4. How can we tap on existing systems to put up a hasty network system to support ad-hoc operations?
5. What are the proposed capabilities that are deployable for HFN?

D. Discussion
The complex nature of HFN demand for a multi-functional, but user-friendly system architecture. The architecture must be effective and efficient and yet flexible and scalable enough to meet the needs of the diversified groups of participating organizations. In most contexts, the participations level includes the militaries, NGOs and foreign nationals. Research into the information assurance of information exchange in the architecture in such a harsh and heterogeneous environment is required. Looking into the strategy to re-use or tap on existing main stakeholders system and commercial-of-the-shelf (COTS) technology to give a quick turn around solution; that is capable of enhancing the effectiveness and efficiencies of the operations.

E. Scope of Thesis

The thesis is conducted in support of U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to evaluate the existing systems deployed in disaster response scenarios and to propose an integrated information system architecture to support HFN. This thesis will address the gaps in the current systems and propose the integrated system with information assurance mechanisms in the framework to create a more effective collaboration environment. Apart from the proposed system architecture, a suite of technologies and collaboration tools will be setup (together with industry partners) and trial for Exercise Golden Phoenix 07. A field report will be consolidated and analyze in the thesis report.

F. Methodology

The thesis requires the studies on the uniqueness of the typical participating organizations, operational scenarios and environments and to design and proposed a flexible and scalable systems architecture that could support their operation needs. Specific understanding in the operational requirements and existing systems will be required to recommend a suite of computer and communications technology. Suitable information technology capabilities will be studied to put fore a possible proposition to support any forthcoming exercise. Proposition made for the Exercise Golden Pheonix will be a good validation for the thesis’ concept.

G. Chapter Outline

I. Introduction
A. Motivation
B. Purpose
C. Organization of Paper
II. Background
A. CAPWIN
B. P25
C. Wireless Mesh Network
III. Project Description
A. Goals
B. Concept of Operation
C. Design
D. Methodology
IV. Testing and Results
A. Functional Test Plan
B. Test Results
V. Conclusion and Future Work
A. Conclusion
B. Future Work

H. Schedule:

S/No Due Date Description
1 Apr 07 Gather data to identify and address gaps in existing HFN systems
2 Apr 07 Source for private vendors and new COTs system that could address these gaps
3 Apr 07 New architecture Design and Development
4 May 07 Solution Analysis
5 May 07 Proposal for exercise
6 Jun 07 Concept Validation and Testing
7 Jul 07 Exercise Golden Phoenix
8 Jul/Aug 07Draft Thesis Preparation
9 Sep 07 Final Thesis Submission/Signature

I. Benefits of Study

This study will provide a formalized architecture for HFN and a set of technologies that could assure the information exchange in a heterogeneous environment. Such capability is beneficial in a coalition environment, whereby a HFN can be put in place to effectively meet the operational needs among different organizations. With possible support from commercial vendors, the system can be setup and deployed for Exercise Golden Phoenix 07. Test plans for the proposed architecture will be tested and findings will be gathered during the exercise henceforth facilitating future study.

J. Anticipated Travel/Funding Requirements

Under the scope of this thesis, attendance and participation in Exercise Golden Phoenix 07 events are mandatory. Travel to the exercise location may be supported.

K. Preliminary Bibliography

Nil