Improving Network Infrastructure Security using Geospatial Technology

Advanced network management systems (NMS) have made tremendous strides in terms of visualization, monitoring, and vulnerability analysis for Layer 2 and Layer 3 data networks. However, they are unable to take into account geographic considerations and vulnerability of the network to physical threats and hazards. This paper summarizes our recent work on utilizing geospatial mapping and technology for improving network infrastructure security. We propose a novel architecture and requirements for integrating NMS and GIS (geographic information systems) technology to address issues such as the one mentioned above. A prototype system was developed to validate the architecture. We conclude the paper with a discussion of challenges encountered during development and testing of the prototype on an emulation test-bed