Communication Architectures for System-of-Systems Engineering

Abstract

Abstract. System-of-Systems Engineering (SoSE) studies how independent constituent systems interact to generate emergent capabilities. However, it is challenging linking the study operations and SoSE to software implementation and agent-based simulations. This paper considers communication as the primary architectural concern and examines how software architectures can improve SoS modelling and simulation. In particular, by relating software architectures to Observe–Orient–Decide–Act (OODA) loops, which are a promising structure for aligning communication, decision logic, and agent interactions with modular and traceable agent architectures. The goal of this work is to explore how communication within SoS architectures can be better structured, represented, and analysed through software engineering and agent-based modelling frameworks in the context of hierarchical and cooperative operational environments, where information exchange directly influences system performance and emergent outcomes. Background