Communication and Network Modeling and Simulation

Modern forces increasingly rely on networks and information processing. Metron is a pioneer in techniques for evaluating command and control, computers, and the architectures that are used to integrate all components. Classic mission-level analysis focused on platform level sensing and engagement, and worked well to evaluate the capabilities of Cold War era platforms and tactics. However, these techniques do not scale to analyze the complex network interactions of platforms and military techniques of the 21st century. Metron developed the first ever object-oriented network system for the US Navy, used for classified analyses, in the early 1990s and has refined our methods over multiple generations of models. Examples of early work in analyzing network effects can be found in Alberts – Network Centric Warfare.

Our potential adversaries have also evolved their methods, developing techniques to degrade our information advantages through cyber, electronic warfare, and directly targeting US infrastructure. In recent years we have developed new approaches and models for evaluating adversary capabilities against our networks, as well assisting the nation in developing adequate defenses and countermeasures. In the past 5 years we have conducted several Congressional studies aimed at identifying and closing gaps in our network and cyber security.