Browsing by Author "Ball, Michael O."
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Automated Network Fault Management(1997) Baras, John S.; Ball, Michael O.; Gupta, Sonjai K.; Viswanathan, P.; Shah, P.; ISR; CSHCNFuture military communication networks will have a mixture of backbone terrestrial, satellite and wireless terrestrial networks. The speeds of these networks vary and they are very heterogeneous. As networks become faster, it is not enough to do reactive fault management. Our approach combines proactive and reactive fault management . Proactive fault management is implemented by dynamic and adaptive routing. Reactive fault management is implemented by a combination of a neural network and an expert system. The system has been developed for the X.25 protocol. Several fault scenarios were modeled and included in the study: reduced switch capacity, increased packet generation rate of a certain application, disabled switch in the X.25 cloud, disabled links. We also modeled occurrence of alarms including severity of the problem, location of the event and a threshold. To detect and identify faults we use both numerical data associated with the performance objects (attributes) in the MIB as well as SNMP traps (alarms). Simulation experiments have been performed in order to understand the convergence of the algorithms, the training of the neural networks involved and the G2/NeurOn-Line software environment and MIB design.Item Bicriteria Product Design Optimization(2001) Raghavan, S.; Ball, Michael O.; Trichur, Vinai S.; ISRCompetitive imperatives are causing manufacturing firms toconsider multiple criteria when designing products. However,current methods to deal with multiple criteria in product designare ad hoc in nature. In this paper we present a systematicprocedure to efficiently solve bicriteria product designoptimization problems.We first present a modeling framework, theAND/OR tree, that permits a simplified representation of productdesign optimization problems. We then show how product designoptimization problems on AND/OR trees can be framed as networkdesign problems on a special graph---a directed series-parallelgraph.
We develop a solution algorithm for the bicriteria problemthat requires as a subroutine the solution of the parametricshortest path problem. Although this problem is hard on generalgraphs, we show that it is polynomially solvable on theseries-parallel graph. As a result we develop an efficientsolution algorithm for the product design optimization problemthat does not require the use of complex and expensivelinear/integer programming solvers.
As a byproduct of thesolution algorithm, sensitivity analysis for product designoptimization is also efficiently performed under this framework.We illustrate our model and solution algorithm on a complexdesign problem at a FORTUNE 100 company.
Item Bounding a Probability Measure over a Polymatroid with an Application to Transportation Problems(1992) Ball, Michael O.; Shanthikumar, J.G.; ISRWe are given a set of supply nodes, a set of demand nodes and a set of arcs between certain supply/demand pairs, which indicate if the supply node can serve as a source for the demand node. The level of the supply available at each supply node and the amount demanded by each demand node are independent random variables. We derive an upper bound on the probability that the random demand can be met by the random supply under the assumption that the supply levels have new better than used (NBU) distribution functions. The functional form of the bound is the product of the probabilities that each demand node, viewed independently, can be feasibly satisfied. In order to prove this result we first prove another result concerning polymatroids. This result gives a lower bound on the probability that a random vector is the member of the polymatroid.Item Building Decision Support Systems That Use Operations Research Models as Database Applications(1992) Ball, Michael O.; Datta, Anindya; Dahl, Roy; ISRIn this paper we address the problem of building decision support systems that make use of multiple operations research models as database application. The motivation for developing applications in a database environment is that, by doing so, the development effort can be substantially reduced, while, at the same time, the application inherits valuable database features. the paper contains two main contributions. First, we present a set of modeling constructs that should aid developers in structuring such applications and in carrying out the development process. Included in this material is a fairly comprehensive model for handling versions. Second, we discuss certain design alternatives and evaluate performance tradeoffs associated with hem. In addition, to evaluating the differences among competing database designs, we provide evidence that properly designed database applications, show little performance degradation over file based applications.Item Call Rerouting in an ATM Environment(1995) Ball, Michael O.; Vakhutinsky, A.; ISR; CSHCNATM networks must handle multiclass traffic with diverse quality of service requirements. We consider a multiclass routing model in which routes are calculated in a distributed fashion by the call origination nodes. Within this general context, we address the problem of rerouting a set of previously routed calls to avoid a failed link. Under the approach we propose, a single node executes an aggregate global rerouting of all affected calls and then converts the set of aggregate routes into an allocation of bandwidth on each link to call origination nodes for the purpose of rerouting. The bandwidth allocation is distributed to each origination node, which in turn then calculates routes for the individual calls. The problem faced by each call origination node is a variant of the so-called bandwidth packing problem. We develop and analyze an approximate algorithm for solving the problem in the specific context that arises in our setting.Item Collaborative Decision Making in Air Traffic Management: Current and Future Research Directions(2000) Ball, Michael O.; Hoffman, Robert L.; Chen, Chien-Yu; Vossen, Thomas; ISR; NEXTORCollaborative Decision Making (CDM) embodies a new philosophy for managing air traffic. The initial implementation of CDM in the US has been aimed at Ground Delay Program Enhancements (GDP-E). However, the underlying concepts of CDM have the potential for much broader applicability.This paper reviews on-going and proposed CDM research streams. The topic areas discussed include: ground delay program enhancements; collaborative routing; performance monitoring and analysis; collaborative resource allocation mechanisms; game theory models for analyzing CDM procedures and information exchange; collaborative information collection and distribution.
Item A Comparison of Formulations for the Single-Airport Ground Holding Problem with Banking Constraints(1998) Hoffman, Robert L.; Ball, Michael O.; ISR; NEXTORBoth the single-airport ground-holding problem (GH) and the multi-airport ground-holding problem can be extended by the addition of banking constraints to accommodate the hubbing operations of major airlines. These constraints enforce the desire of airlines to land certain groups of flights, called banks, within fixed time windows, thus preventing the propagation of delays throughout their entire operation. GH can be formulated as a transportation problem and readily solved. But in the presence of banking constraints, GH becomes a difficult integer programming problem. In this paper, we construct five different models of the single-airport ground holding problem with banking constraints (GHB). The models are evaluated both computationally and analytically. For two of the models, we show that the banking constraints induce facets of the convex hull of the set of integer solutions. In addition, we explore a linear transformation of variables and a branching technique.Item Design for Manufacture by Multi-Enterprise Partnerships(1994) Nau, D.; Ball, Michael O.; Gupta, Sonjai K.; Minis, Ioannis; Zhang, G.; ISRRecent world-wide political and financial events have intensified the need to renew the competitiveness of the US manufacturing industry. The means for enabling competitiveness include fast response to the market needs for new designs and re-designs, and the ability to manufacture products at the right quality and at competitive costs. To pursue market and technology opportunities effectively, US commercial and defense industries will be relying increasingly on multi-enterprise partnerships [12]. Vertical partnering combines the strengths of multiple firms in product design, manufacture, after sales support and customer service, in order to launch superior products in the global market.To support effective partnering, new approaches will be needed for integrating the activities of design, planning, and production. Furthermore, it is important to address both the fundamental modeling of design, process planning, and production planning in ways that account for the capabilities of potential manufacturing partners, and the development of optimization procedures to address the underlying decision problems. This paper elaborates on these issues and discusses approaches for addressing them.
Item Design of the MANDATE MIB(1993) Haritsa, Jayant R.; Ball, Michael O.; Roussopoulos, Nicholas; Baras, John S.; Datta, Anindya; ISR; CSHCNA management information database is the heart of a network management system -- it provides the interface between all functions of the network management system, and therefore has to provide sophisticated functionality allied with high performance. In this paper, we introduce the design of MANDATE, a database system that is designed to effectively support the management of large enterprise network. MANDATE proposes to use special characteristics of network management data and transactions, together with recent advances in database technology, to efficiently derive its functionality.Item Hybrid Network Management(1996) Baras, John S.; Ball, Michael O.; Karne, Ramesh K.; Whitefield, David; Kelley, Stephen; Jang, Kap D.; Plaisant, Catherine; Roussopoulos, Nick; Stathatos, Kostas; Vakhutinsky, Andrrew; Valluri, Jaibharat; ISR; CSHCNWe describe our collaborative efforts towards the design and implementation of a next generation integrated network management system for hybrid network (INMS/HN). We describe the overall software architecture of the system at its current stage of development. This network management system if specifically designed to address issues relevant for complex heterogeneous networks consisting of seamlessly interoperable terrestrial and satellite networks. Network management systems are a key element for interoperability in such networks. We describe the integration of configuration management and performance management. The next step in this integration is fault management. In particular we describe the object model, issues of the Graphical User Interface (GUI), browsing tools and performance data graphical widget displays, management, information database (MIB) organization issues. Several components of the system are being commercialized by Hughes Networks Systems.- A revised version of this technical report has been published in
Proceedings of the AIAA: 16th International Communications Satellite Systems Conference and Exhibit, Part 1, pp. 490-500, Washington, D.C., February 25- 29, 1996.Item Integrated Network Management of Hybrid Networks(1996) Baras, John S.; Ball, Michael O.; Karne, Ramesh K.; Kelley, Stephen; Jang, Kap D.; Plaisant, C.; Roussopoulos, N.; Stathatos, K.; Vakhutinsky, A.; Valluri, J.; Whitefield, D.; ISR; CSHCNWe describe our collaborative efforts towards the design and implementation of a next generation integrated network management system for hybrid networks (INMS/HN). We describe the overall software architecture of the system at its current stage of development. This network management system is specifically designed to address issues relevant for complex heterogeneous networks consisting of seamlessly interoperable terrestrial and satellite networks. Network management systems are a key element for interoperability in such networks. We describe the integration of configuration management and performance management. The next step in this integration is fault management. In particular we describe the object model, issues of the Graphical User Interface (GUI), browsing tools and performance data graphical widget displays, management information database (MIB) organization issues. Several components of the system are being commercialized by Hughes Network Systems.- A revised version of this report has been published in
Proceedings of the 1st Conference of Commercial Development of Space, Part One, pp. 345-350, Albuquerque, New Mexico, January 7-11, 1996.Item Integrated Product and Process Design Environment Tool for Manufacturing T/R Modules(1997) Karne, Ramesh K.; Lai, Hsing-Tsu; Dandekar, Swati V.; Baras, John S.; Ball, Michael O.; Bashyam, Sridhar; Trichur, Vinai S.; Karir, Manish; Kebede, Abraham; Williams, Jim; ISR; CSHCNWe present a decision making assistant tool for integrated product and process design environment for manufacturing applications. Specifically, we target microwave modules which use Electro-mechanical components and require optimal solutions to reduce cost, improve quality, and gain leverage in time to market the product. This tool will assist the product and process designer to improve their productivity and also enable to cooperate and coordinate their designs through a common design interface. We consider a multiobjective optimization model that determines components and processes for a given conceptual designs for microwave modules. This model outputs a set of solutions that are Pareto optimal with respect to cost, quality, and other metrics. In addition, we identify system integration issues for manufacturing applications, and propose an architecture which will serve as a building block to our continuing research in virtual manufacturing applications.Item Integrating Tradeoff Analysis and Plan-Based Evaluation of Designs for Microwave Modules(1996) Trichur, Vinai S.; Ball, Michael O.; Baras, John S.; Hebbar, Kiran; Minis, Ioannis; Nau, Dana S.; Smith, Stephen J.J.; ISRPreviously, we have described two systems, EDAPS and EXTRA, which support design and process planning for the manufacture of microwave modules, complex devices with both electrical and mechanical attributes. EDAPS integrates electrical design, mechanical design, and process planning for both mechanical and electrical domains. EXTRA accesses various component and process databases to help the user define design and process options. It then supports the user in choosing among these options with an optimization bases tradeoff analysis module.In this paper, we describe our current work towards the integration and enhancement of the capabilities of EDAPS and EXTRA. We integrate EXTRA's functionality with the initial design step of EDAPS. in the resultant system, the user, supported by an enhanced tradeoff analysis capability, can select and describe a promising preliminary design and process plan based on the analysis of a variety of alternatives from both an electrical and mechanical perspective. This preliminary design is then subjected top further analysis and refinement using existing EDAPS capabilities. In addition to the integration of these two systems, specific new functions have been developed, including tradeoff analysis over a much broader set of criteria, and the ability of the tradeoff module to query the process planner to determine costs of individual options.
Item MANDATE: MAnaging Networks using DAtabase TEchnology(1992) Haritsa, Jayant R.; Ball, Michael O.; Roussopoulos, N.; Datta, Anindya; ISRIn a recent opinion poll of telecommunications executives, enterprise network management was identified to be the top technological issue of the future. At present, however, there do not exist any viable solutions to this critical problem. Therefore, considerable research efforts are being focused on the development of effective network management tools. A management information database is the heart of a network management system - it provides the interface between all functions of the network management system, and therefore has to provide sophisticated functionality allied with high performance. In this paper, we describe MANDATE (MAnaging Networks using DAtabase TEchnology), a database system that is designed to effectively support the management of large networks of the future. MANDATE uses special characteristics of network management data and transactions, together with recent advances in database technology, to efficiently derive its functionality.Item Market-Based Alternatives for Managing Congestion at New York’s LaGuardia Airport(AirNeth Annual Conference, The Hague, 2007-04) Ball, Michael O.; Ausubel, Lawrence M.; Berardino, Frank; Cramton, Peter; Donohue, George; Hansen, Mark; Hoffman, KarlaIn the paper, we summarize the results of a project that was motivated by the expiration of the “High Density Rule,” which defined the slot controls employed at New York’s LaGuardia Airport for more than 30 years. The scope of the project included the analysis of several administrative measures, congestion pricing options and slot auctions. The research output includes a congestion pricing procedure and also the specification of a slot auction mechanism. The research results are based in part on two strategic simulations. These were multi-day events that included the participation of airport operators, most notably the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, FAA and DOT executives, airline representatives and other members of the air transportation community. The first simulation placed participants in a stressful, high congestion future scenario and then allowed participants to react and problem solve under various administrative measures and congestion pricing options. The second simulation was a mock slot auction in which participants bid on LGA arrival and departure slots for fictitious airlines.Item Measuring Ground Delay Program Effectiveness Using the Rate Control Index(2000) Ball, Michael O.; Hoffman, Robert L.; Ball, Michael O.; ISR; NEXTORThe objective of Air Traffic Flow Management is to maintain safe and efficient use of airspace and airports by regulating the flow of traffic. In this paper, we introduce a single-valued metric for post-operatively rating the performance of achieved traffic flow against targeted traffic flow. We provide variations on the metric, one of which factors out stochastic conditions upon which a plan is formulated, and show how these improve on current traffic control analysis techniques. The core of the metric is intuitive and simple, yet leads to an interesting optimization problem that can be efficiently solved via dynamic programming. Numerical results of the metric are given as well as a sample of the type of analysis that should follow a low rating by the metric. Although this metric was originally developed to rate the performance of Ground Delay Programs, it is equally applicable to any setting in which the flow of discrete objects such as vehicles is controlled and later evaluated.Item A Multi-Objective Integer Programming Framework For Product Design(1998) Trichur, Vinai S.; Ball, Michael O.; Ball, Michael O.; ISRThis paper describes a modeling framework for product design thatfacilitates the incorporation of both engineering and strategicconsiderations at the design stage. We first develop an abstractrepresentation of a generic product, an AND/OR tree, that iscontext-independent and can be used to model a wide variety of products indifferent application settings. We show how this representation leadsnaturally to a mathematical model and discuss some of the properties ofthis model. Next, we show how the AND/OR tree can be employed indifferent settings; specifically, we describe applications to printedcircuit assembly and microwave module industries. These applicationsresult in multiobjective integer programming formulations.We discuss theproperties of these formulations, develop appropriate solution procedures,and report our computational experience. One of the advantages of theframework that we describe is the ease with which it can be extended toincorporate additional considerations. We indicate some some possibleextensions that might find ready applicability in industry.
Item Network Reliability(1992) Ball, Michael O.; Colbourn, Charles J.; Provan, J.S.; ISRThis paper provides a detailed review of the state of the art in the field of network reliability analysis. The primary model treated is a stochastic network in which arcs fail randomly and independently with known failure probabilities. The inputs to the basic network reliability analysis problem consist of the network and a failure probability for each are in the network. The output is some measure of the reliability of the network. The reliability measures treated most extensively in this paper are: the two terminal measure, the probability that there exists a path between two specified nodes; the all-terminal measure the probability that the network is connected and the k-terminal measure, the probability that a specified node subset, K, is connected. In all cases the results concerning each problem's computational complexity, exact algorithms, analytic bounds and Monte Carlo methods are covered. The paper also treats more complex reliability measures including performability measures and stochastic shortest path, max flow and PERT problems. A discussion is provided on applications and using the techniques covered in practice.Item Next Generation Network Management Technology(1994) Atallah, George C.; Ball, Michael O.; Baras, John S.; Goli, Shravan K.; Karne, Ramesh K.; Kelley, Stephen; Kumar, Harsha P.; Plaisant, Catherine; Roussopoulos, Nick; Shneiderman, Ben; Srinivasarao, Mulugu; Stathatos, Kostas; Teittinen, Marko; Whitefield, David; ISR; CSHCNToday's telecommunications networks are becoming increasingly large, complex, mission critical and heterogeneous in several dimensions. For example, the underlying physical transmission facilities of a given network may be ﲭixed media (copper, fiber- optic, radio, and satellite); the sub networks may be acquired from different vendors due to economic, performance, or general availability reasons; the information being transmitted over the network may be ﲭultimedia (video, data, voice, and images) and, finally, varying performance criteria may be imposed e.g. data transfer may require high throughput while the others, whose concern is voice communications, may require low call blocking probability. For these reasons, future telecommunications networks are expected to be highly complex in their services and operations. Due to this growing complexity and the disparity among management systems for individual sub networks, efficient network management systems have become critical to the current and future success of telecommunications companies. This paper addresses a research and development effort which focuses on prototyping configuration management, since that is the central process of network management and all other network management functions must be built upon it. Our prototype incorporates ergonomically designed graphical user interfaces tailored to the network configuration management subsystem and to the proposed advanced object-oriented database structure. The resulting design concept follows open standards such as Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) and incorporates object oriented programming methodology to associate data with functions, permit customization, and provide an open architecture environment.- A revised version of this technical report has been published in
The 12th Symposium on Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion/Commercialization, pp. 75-82, Albuquerque, NM, January 8-12, 1995.Item Next Generation Satellite Systems for Aeronautical Communications(2000) Ercetin, Ozgur; Ball, Michael O.; Tassiulas, Leandros; Tassiulas, Leandros; ISR; NEXTORThe US airspace is reaching its capacity with the current Air Traffic Control system and a number of flights that is constantly rising, and estimated to be over 54 million per year by 2002. The FAA has undertaken several projects to modernize the National Airspace System (NAS) to ensure the safety of the increasing number of flights. Of special importance is the modernization of the Air-Ground (A/G) Communications infrastructure, which is the heart of the air traffic control (ATC).The current plan in the modernization of the A/G communications is to migrate from analog voice only system to integrated digital voice and data system. The next generation satellite systems can be an alternative to the terrestrial A/G systems by their low propagation and transmission delays, global coverage, high capacity, and free flight suitable characteristics. In this paper, we give an overview of the current and the future ATC architectures, describe the systems and the communications issues in these systems, and develop a framework in which LEO/MEO next generation satellite systems can be integrated to the future ATC systems.