Performance optimization for a mobile small-unit-operation situational awareness (SUO-SAS) radio network

This paper concerns performance optimization using the Taguchi parameter optimization methodology[M.S. Phaadke, May 12 1989] in a network based on SUO-SAS (situational awareness system for small unit operations)-a new state-of-the-art communication system developed by ITT Industries. For the subject experiment, the network consisted of 20 nodes. The nodes are mobile and move in accordance with an operationally relevant scenario based upon a topology provided by DARPA. The scenario specifies the input traffic variations and other noise factors such as message size, message types and mobility. The throughput is the most important performance metric and is selected as the output characteristic. The criterion for throughput optimization amounts to generating as large a throughput as possible. Four crucial parameters associated with the intranet layer and link layer, and an L₉ orthogonal array are selected for optimization through OPNET modeling and simulation. Parameter optimization yields a 34% improvement in message completion rate and a 35% improvement in system throughput.