A methodology for obtaining a cost estimate in a multiple media network architecture

An approach for using multiple link parameters for determining least cost paths in heterogeneous networks is presented. The procedure has been implemented in the media resource controller (MRC) advanced development model developed for the US Air Force. The cost assignment approach is broken into three functional areas and then fed to a conventional routing algorithm for least cost path assignments. An approach for evaluating the proposed procedure against single parameter methods is outlined. The methodology holds rigorously for the homogeneous case, and is easily extended to the heterogeneous case of future tactical network environments. The MRC accomplishes this by providing the network designer with a set of tools to use in specifying cost behavior