Connectionless Networks

In order to bring data efficiently from high value, but energy limited sensors (such as unattended ground sensors (UGS), into system architectures like that of the Airborne Communications Node (ACN) a new fundamental emphasis must be placed on how these kinds of sensor networks communicate. The Connectionless Networks (CN) program will develop technology to allow networks (such as UGS) to send and receive information as much as 100 to 1,000 times more efficiently than conventional and near-term deployable communications systems. This energy inefficiency not only limits the lifetime of energy limited systems, its impacts are especially severe for communications such as between proliferated sensors or remotely operated or updated weapons. Eliminating the requirement to maintain a continuous network linkage would enable these platforms to provide continuous connectivity without consumption of power, or compromising emanations. The CN program will exploit the current signal processing components, intelligent (processing and memory intensive) routing, and availability of situational information to demonstrate a total energy savings of at least 100 times typical connection oriented network applications.