The Internet of things applied to command and control networks

Abstract

The number of people and things connected to the Internet continue growing at an exponential rate. This record setting growth along with the reduction in small sensor costs and machine learning enabled a concept called the Internet of Things (IoT) to thrive. With numerous applications in both commercial and government spaces, the IoT has the ability to transform any organizations network capabilities. The Air Force has a unique set of requirements centered on cyberspace superiority and the ability to command and control people and things. This paper leverages the traditional systems engineering "'V" model as a framework to develop and analyze a concept for an Air Force command and control network. Methods and tools such as stakeholder analysis, hierarchical control structures and object-process diagrams are used to develop the concept of operations, system architecture, and the preliminary design. The programs technology readiness is also assessed before outlining key milestones and deliverables required for transitioning the program forward in the acquisition life-cycle.