Evolution of NICNET as an incrementally intelligent network

Abstract

The evolution of NICNET, the Computer-Communication network of the National Informatics Centre, is so oriented that integration and globalization are progessively implemented utilizing the latest cost-effective technologies available In the international market. With the choice of SSMA/CDMA based VSAT technology utilizing a C-band transponder, during the nucleating stage of NICNET, the top 500 cities and towns in India have been linked apart from more than 100 sites of mega projects and economically important locations. In the next step, high speed SCPC based VSATs with two-way as well as data broadcast capabilities utilizing a Ku-band transpoder is enabling the realisation of the NICNET InfoHighway linking metropolises and big cities as an overlay network over tile low speed NICNET. Dedicated high speed external gateways provide initial infrastructure for globalization of NICNET. In the next phase, it is planned to introduce software based information networking architecture on NICNET for which the concept of structure-function matrix based incrementally intelligent network design is proposed in this paper. As the demand for sophisticated services like CUGs, virtual private network Service, universal personal communications, mobile communication and multimedia services increase, NICNET will be required to respond with more flexible access, intelligent management and versatile charging regimes than what is possible currently, all within the frame-work of an open system architecture. Imperatives of globalization and service creation will be rendered incrementally intelligent utilising an approach based on intelligent hypermedia with imbedded expert system for realising intelligent navigation and integration. The same AI approach is determined to be advantageous for intelligent integration of traffic and facility with adaptive flexible routing. The design of NICNET as an intelligent global network providing a versatile local infrastructure with multiple gateway hooks to a global network employing low or medium earth orbiting satellite constellation, is identified as a desirable long term goal.