Networked and Distributed Simulation

Course structure

What you will learn

On successful completion of the course you will understand:

• Basic operation of LANs and WANs and the hardware involved, sufficient for simulation interoperability purposes,
• Network protocols and standards (e.g. Ethernet, TCP/IP),
• Simulation network architectures,
• Simulation network protocols – especially DIS and HLA,
• The principles, terminology and challenges of Simulation Interoperability,
• Workflow and processes for designing and building distributed and federated solutions (e.g. DSEEP),
• Issues in the configuration of distributed and federated simulation applications.

Core content

Course content: 

• Fundamentals of computer communications, networking, LANs and WANs,
• Main hardware components of computer networks (bearer media, interfaces, switches, routers, etc),
• The ISO OSI architecture and network protocols, especially TCP/IP,
• The management, configuration and testing of networks for distributed simulation  (including DSEEP),
• Networking standards in defence simulation (eg DIS, HLA, TENA),
• Strategy for the development and use of networked and distributed simulations and synthetic environments in UK and allies,
• Practical exercises in design, construction and operation of LAN and WAN based networked simulations using the Defence Academy Simulation and Synthetic Environment Laboratory.

Where student numbers permit, a larger practical distributed simulation exercise is normally held subsequently to the course itself, as an additional follow-on activity of one to two weeks duration. This provides an opportunity to practice and confirm instruction by linking the SSEL via WAN to a number of off-site facilities. While this exercise is mainly intended as an advanced module in NDS for registered postgraduate students, short course participants are also welcome to participate.

Upgrade to a professional qualification

When taken as a Short Course for Credit, 10 credit points can be put towards the Defence Simulation and Modelling MSc.

Find out more about short course credit points.

Who should attend

The course is intended for those seeking to be educated customers of defence federated and distributed systems, typically being involved in acquiring, specifying, managing, building or operating such solutions.

Students must have successfully completed Modelling and Simulation: Foundations in order to take this as a Short Course for Credit, and the completion of either Real-Time Graphics and War Gaming and Combat Modelling would be advantageous. There are no prerequisites if taken as a Standalone Short Course.

Speakers

• Mr Jonathan Searle - Module Leader
• Mr John Hoggard

Concessions

A limited number of MOD sponsored places are available.

There are limited places on these modules. You may not receive an offer until places have been confirmed, usually 1 to 2 weeks before the start date.