Research

Communication systems aboard current naval vessels are implemented using a variety of standards and protocols and are constructed on an as-needed basis. These systems are complex, expensive, and often unreliable. Researchers at TITL have investigated the use of cost-efficient Ethernet-based IP networks to support shipboard control and data networks while providing a high level of reliability.

Current Ethernet technology offers high-speed, high-bandwidth data communications at a low cost. However, Ethernet-based IP networks do not provide fault-tolerant capabailities and require expensive technologies to maintain network connectivity in the event of a failure. The challenge for TITL was to provide a cost-effective Ethernet-based IP network that can reconfigure in the event of a partial failure. Results of research in this area are available in the Publications section.

Work was also performed to augment a standard wireless sensor network with 802.11a/b/g capabilities. This work consisted of mating an EmbeddedPlanet EP862 single board computer (SBC) with Crossbow Technology's MICA2 Motes. The combination of a wireless sensor mote base station with a Linux-based SBC allowed for the wireless transmission of collected data over an IP network. In order to achieve this capability, the team used a PowerPC port of the Linux kernel. Modifications to the existing kernel had to be made in order to make use of the second serial port – a patch reflecting this change has been created^*. Crossbow's MICA2 Motes were used to collect data, which was then transferred via a serial port to the SBC. Custom software running on the SBC allowed it to process the data and communicate with other devices via an IP network. This "base station" unit is capable of communicating via Ethernet or 802.11b and is able to act as a server from which clients can retrieve data.