Rapid network design

Abstract

Network planning is a key element in the Marine Corps_ communications planning process. The ability to design and provide reliable network architecture directly affects the commander_s ability to control operations in an operational environment. Command-and-control systems technologies continue to change and evolve, adding complexity to network design. Portions of the current process of designing packet-switched networks are extremely prone to human design faults, which can adversely affect the reliability of the network. This thesis proposes an application prototype for network design that automates the creation of network configuration files. It describes the benefits achievable for development of such an application. Lastly, we demonstrate a working prototype that successfully produced configurations files that can easily be uploaded to network devices and create a functioning packet-switch network.