Title
Validating the Cognitive Network Controller on NASA's SCaN Testbed
Date Issued
01 June 2020
Access level
metadata only access
Resource Type
conference paper
Author(s)
University of Houston
Publisher(s)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Abstract
The Cognitive Network Controller (CNC) defines a neuromorphic architecture where a spiking neural network can both encode network performance observations and select the optimal actions (e.g., routes) for the context of those observations. Because of these features, the CNC can quickly adapt to changes in the operational environment to either maintain or improve selected performance metrics. This behavior can be attractive for a space networking scenario with orbiting and ground-based assets that are either stationary or manned, bringing an elevated level of autonomy in network communication decisions. Using the SCaN testbed as a laboratory facility in orbit, we evaluated the adaptation abilities of the CNC applied to a space network routing application. Towards this end, the CNC design and the related neuromorphic processor were implemented in software and deployed on the flight computer of the SCaN testbed, and then applied to route bundles to a ground station over parallel links. This work likely constitutes the earliest demonstration of a space application for neuromorphic computing and a basic validation of the online adaptation capabilities of the CNC.
Volume
2020-June
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Ingeniería de sistemas y comunicaciones
Ciencias de la computación
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85089438898
ISSN of the container
15503607
ISBN of the container
9781728150895
Conference
IEEE International Conference on Communications: 2020 IEEE International Conference on Communications, ICC 2020
Sponsor(s)
The authors appreciate the contributions of the SCaN Testbed team (including, but not limited to, David Chelmins, Janette Briones, Marie Piasecki, and Beth Curtis), without whom this experiment would not have been possible. This work was supported by an Early Career Faculty grant from NASA’s Space Technology Research Grants Program.
Sources of information:
Directorio de Producción Científica
Scopus