Service-Oriented Architecture Afloat: A Capabilities-Based Prioritization Scheme

To increase combat effectiveness by networking the warfighter and to easily modify and expand its existing network architecture, the United States Navy requires shipboard computer systems that are network-centric and service-based and that support open architectures. However, they are limited by the radio frequency bandwidth that is available for shipboard communications. As a result, some network applications must take priority over others. The current Navy prioritization scheme was not designed with the needs of the warfighter as the primary focus nor does it allow for dynamically changing priorities based on changing threats. A prioritization scheme is proposed that optimizes network performance based on warfighter needs. The scheme is developed using the Capabilities-Based Competency Assessment process introduced by Suttie & Potter (2008) applied to an air detect-to-engage scenario for a carrier strike group underway. A comparison is made between the proposed prioritization scheme and traditional Navy schemes using simulation. Results show our prioritization scheme consistently reduced latency and increased throughput for mission relevant applications. These improvements translate directly to more relevant information getting to decision-makers sooner, which leads to “information superiority,” ultimately enhancing warfighting capability. Introduction The Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (PEO C4I) Masterplan summarizes the major programs of the Department of the Navy (DoN) applicable to network operations, providing outlines of planned future capabilities, their major characteristics, and timelines for their implementation. It includes a mandate for fielded computer systems to be network-centric, service-based, and support open architectures. This will allow the Navy to field a rapid, adaptable warfighting network, easily tailored to the task at hand which will increase combat effectiveness. Implementation of this capability is limited by the network resources—specifically radio frequency (RF) communications bandwidth—which the Navy has at its disposal (PEO C4I, 2011). This means some network applications must take priority over others. To understand the needs of the warfighter, this study looks at the centerpiece of U.S. naval strategy, the carrier strike group (CSG). Naval carriers are dynamic platforms equipped with a wide variety of systems which may be used for both combat and noncombat missions. The carrier is escorted by vessels equipped with sensors and weapons