Distributed Computation in the Digitized Battlefield

A distributed computation is defined as several computers performing computation for a common purpose. There are three basic characteristics of this kind of systems, multiplicity of nodes, interconnection of nodes, and shared states among these nodes. This paradigm is analogous to a group of combat vehicles in a battlefield, pursuing a common goal. The three characteristics stated above have corresponding elements in a battlefield. The shared states among nodes are similar to a common goal for a group of combat vehicles. Moreover, combat vehicles correspond to multiple nodes in a distributed system. Finally, communication links among the combat vehicles are akin to interconnections of computing nodes. Due to these striking similarities, technologies developed for distributed computations may be readily applicable for a digitized battlefield of the future. However, due to a few distinctive factors of digitized ground combat, techniques of classical distributed systems must be extended to be useful. At the U.S. Army VETRONICS Technology Center, we have started an initiative to accomplish these enhancements. In this report, essential elements of the program and some interim findings are reported. 1