Policy-Based Management of the Future Airborne Network via Peer-to-Peer Networking

In this paper we present two prototype implementations of the policy-based network management framework, using peer-to-peer (P2P) protocols to improve policy distribution for the future IP-based airborne network. The policy-based management framework defines an architecture that simplifies and distributes network device configuration commands and thereby streamlines deployment of a coherent network-wide configuration scheme. The management capabilities offered by policy-based management may enable consistent quality of service (QoS) throughout the future airborne network, which is particularly important because of its highly dynamic topology and bandwidth limitations. However, the current policy-based management applications that have been developed for fixed-infrastructure networks do not present an effective solution for the airborne network. A more suitable approach for policy-based management of the future airborne network is a distributed system that can dynamically discover network devices. By providing distributed services and peer-discovery mechanisms, peer-to-peer networking appears to be an ideal candidate architecture for such a system. In JXTA, which is an open set of P2P protocols, there exists the potential to develop a more efficient policy-based network management application designed to meet the needs of the airborne network