Use of DoDAF and M&S for the Design Requirements and Optimization of a GIG-Enabled Wideband Mesh-Networking Waveform

As the DoD evolves its network-centric infrastructure to support transformation, there is an increasing need to use a structured process to develop and optimize GIG-enabled networked communications and their underlying waveform layers. This paper describes an approach to this problem using DoD architecture framework (DoDAF), which has been tailored (waveform DoDAF) for the development of networked communication waveforms. We also cover the network modeling and simulation (M&S) process which supports validation and optimization of the resulting waveform protocols. The challenge of today's communication waveform specification working groups centers around the problem of generating a waveform that maximizes customer utility and data throughput, while effectively managing network connectivity, quality of service, and spectrum use. Existing, ad-hoc waveform specification methods lack operational discipline and typically do not result in a waveform meeting DoD needs. The waveform DoDAF methodology centers on a systematic transfer function from operational views (OVs), through communication laydowns or system views (SVs), to detailed waveform requirements. Using this process, complex multi-access mechanisms, physical layer attributes and layer 2/3 protocols are linked to operationally-based drivers, not stove-piped engineering concepts. An overview of each step of the process is covered, along with examples of OV, SV, and waveform views for key network-centric use-case scenarios. The paper includes a waveform application example showing the successful use of waveform DoDAF for the generation of a GIG-enabled, high capacity, RF wideband mesh networking waveform. The approach described in this paper can be used for all types of communication waveforms, including narrowband RF, wideband RF, and free-space optical (FSO) communications.