Examination of the Development of a LAN Access Unit (LAU)

Chuck Cartledge
EDO Corp.
Norfolk, VA



Insights into the requirements definition, design, implementation, testing
and deployment of a "simple" local area network access unit.

Over the course of the last two years, EDO has developed a LAN Access Units
(LAU) for a real-time command and control system for the Norwegian Coast
Guard.  An LAU stands between a piece of equipment that has an electrical
communications interface and a "normal" TCP/IP network.  The talk, will
cover the following topics:

1.	System requirements (types of hardware and software interfaces to be
supported, expected data rates, types of message processing, communications
with other LAN computers, etc.)

2.	Hardware selection (vendor selection process, hardware requirements,
design versus actual)

3.	Software design (UML, OSs, Corba, IDL, actual versus implemented)

4.	Software development (C++, idealized versus actual)

5.	Software testing requirements (local software development requiring
testing at a location 16 hours travel time from Chesapeake, simulator
requirements and use).

The current state of the project will be shown.

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Short biography:

Chuck Cartledge has served with EDO Corporation Combat Systems in a variety
of roles since joining EDO in 1983.  Now, he serves in the dual role of
Computer System Engineer and Principal Software Engineer with oversight of
combat system design.  Focusing on state-of-the-art defense technology for
the United States Department of Defense and foreign allied nations.  Mr.
Cartledge's position principally involves design of sonars, combat systems,
and data link systems.