Generic Network Visualization: Applications for NATO

1. Generic Network Visualization: Applications for NATO IST-043/RWS-006: WG5 Luc Beaudoin Dr. Jan Bjoerke Alain Bouchard Capt Stephen Boyne Zack Jacobson Annette Kaster Dr. Bob Truong Capt José Veríssimo

2. Generic Network Visualization: Applications for NATO This working group was focused at developing a taxonomy and framework of generic network properties which are required for the display on a Common Operational Picture and decision support.

3. Generic Network Visualization: Applications for NATO

4. Objectives • Development of a network visualisation framework to be used by NATO • Development of a common language to describe networks and to enable interoperability

5. Definition • A Network is an array of nodes and linksthat exchange “stuff” on carriers under a certain protocol and following a determined path generating a certain amount of traffic.

6. NATO Needs on Network Analysis/Visualization • Counterterrorism • Knowledge Management • Information Assurance • Logistic Support Management • Disease Management • Infrastructure Security • Correlation of interconnected networks • etc.

7. Links between nodes of same networks Within a network, links between the nodes have a crucial role to play in the network characteristics. Changes, such as a new link between two nodes, can have drastic impact on the network.

8. Links between nodes of different networks Connecting two networks together can largely influence the capacity of each network. As an example, a link between two different networks related to terrorists and their activities can drastically improve the ability of the authorities to forecast/understand threats... The potential is dependant on traffic characteristics and network information semantic structure.

9. Visualisation Issues • Human Factors • Colors • Temporal information • Automation • Cluttering • Symbology • etc.

10. What do we need to see from the networks ? • Generic network properties • Variables of networks • Intersection of disparate networks • etc.

11. Constraints Rules Nodes Location Node type Symbology Open/Closed Node ID Input/output property Links Capacity Weight Strength Direction Availability Type of traffic Location Route Identification (Unique) The medium Thresholds and changes Traffic Flow Path Routing Topology Symmetric/asymmetric Boundaries Layout Hierarchical Tree Topology evolution in time and space Logical/physical Redundancy Partially connected graph Protocols Networks interconnections Location Open/Closed Layers Hierarchy Variables of networks

12. Constraints Rules Nodes Location Node type Symbology Open/Closed Node ID Input/output property Number/Type of Links Links Capacity Weight Strength Direction Availability Type of traffic Location Route Identification (Unique) The medium Thresholds and changes Traffic Flow Path Routing Topology Symmetric/asymmetric Boundaries Layout Hierarchical Tree Topology evolution in time and space Logical/physical Redundancy Partially connected graph Protocols Networks interconnections Location Open/Closed Layers Hierarchy Important variables in: Counterterrorism

13. Constraints Rules Nodes Location Node type Symbology Open/Closed Node ID Input/output property Number/Type of Links Links Capacity Weight Strength Direction Availability Type of traffic Location Route Identification (Unique) The medium Thresholds and changes Traffic Flow Path Routing Topology Symmetric/asymmetric Boundaries Layout Hierarchical Tree Topology evolution in time and space Logical/physical Redundancy Partially connected graph Protocols Networks interconnections Location Open/Closed Layers Hierarchy Important variables in: Information Assurance

14. Constraints Rules Nodes Location Node type Symbology Open/Closed Node ID Input/output property Number/Type of Links Links Capacity Weight Strength Direction Availability Type of traffic Location Route Identification (Unique) The medium Thresholds and changes Traffic Flow Path Routing Topology Symmetric/asymmetric Boundaries Layout Hierarchical Tree Topology evolution in time and space Logical/physical Redundancy Partially connected graph Protocols Networks interconnections Location Open/Closed Layers Hierarchy Important variables in:Logistic Support Management

15. How do create a network? Example: Transportation network for deploying a NATO force • What are the important properties to be visualised? • Gradual decomposition of the network!

16. What do we have to know about … • … the nodes? • Is there a transfer point (Can you load/unload cargo? • Can you change directions? • What is the dwell time? • … the links? • What is the capacity? (What and how much can you carry?) • Is it going two/one way? • How long is the link (in terms of time and distance)? • What kind of traffic can it take? • Is it available? • … the carriers? • What is the capacity? • Is it available?

17. Carriers: Trucks, ships, planes, … Links: Roads, Sea, Air, … Nodes: Cities, harbours, airports, … Toronto Sarajevo Example: Transportation network for deploying a NATO force • Start: • Then gradually decompose by asking the aforementioned questions?

18. Conclusions • Network analysis/visualization is task oriented • The same generic framework can be used for most types of networks • The most critical issue is to set the correct thresholds • Network Analysis can be focused on nodes, links, etc.