Network Analysis Corporation
Howard Frank | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1941 |
| Died | 2017 |
| Occupation(s) | Network engineer, computer scientist |
| Known for | Contributions to computer networking systems, topological design of the ARPANET, founding Network Analysis Corporation and Network Management Incorporated, director at DARPA's Advanced Information Technology Services Joint Program, dean of Robert H. Smith School of Business at University of Maryland |
| Notable work | Doctoral dissertation "Optimum Locations on a Graph with Probabilistic Demands" |
Howard Frank was a pioneering network engineer known for his contributions to the analysis and architecture of computer networking systems.
Career
Following the completion of his PhD in 1965, Frank initially pursued an academic career until 1968, after which he served as a consultant for the OEP. In 1969, he co-established Network Analysis Corporation (NAC), which he eventually sold to Contel Corporation. Later, in 1986, he founded Network Management Incorporated. Moving away from corporate positions, Frank joined DARPA in 1990 as the inaugural director of the Defense Department’s Advanced Information Technology Services Joint Program. He was appointed dean of the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland in 1997, a role he fulfilled until his retirement in 2015.
Thesis and continuation of Paul Baran's work
Frank’s doctoral dissertation, titled "Optimum Locations on a Graph with Probabilistic Demands" completed in 1965, expanded upon Von Neumann’s statistical communication theory. After earning his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, he took on an assistant professorship there and crossed paths with Leonard Kleinrock, with whom he later collaborated at the Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP).
During his research, Frank encountered a mathematical framework published in the Journal of Mathematical Biophysics that described cellular responses to radiation. He recognized that this model could be adapted to enhance Paul Baran’s "On Distributed Communication," dramatically reducing simulation durations from thousands of hours. Frank characterized himself as a synthesist—someone who merges concepts from diverse disciplines to develop novel solutions that had not been previously considered.
OEP
Acknowledged by a White House official for advancing Baran’s theories, Frank was invited to advise the Office of Emergency Preparedness. His team’s mission was to demonstrate the strategic importance of establishing an Office of Analytic Planning within the White House by tackling critical high-impact issues.
Their efforts focused on two major problems: optimizing offshore natural gas pipeline networks in the Gulf of Mexico for the Federal Power Commission and evaluating network vulnerabilities to ensure asset survivability during wartime conditions. Operating with fewer than 20 personnel, they created a computer program that optimized pipeline configurations, resulting in substantial cost savings amounting to hundreds of millions within just 11 months.
NAC and ARPA
After completing his OEP project in 1969, Howard Frank partnered with Dave Rosenbaum to launch Network Analysis Corporation (NAC), aiming to solve challenges akin to those they had previously encountered. Recruited by Lawrence Roberts, Frank contributed significantly to the topological design of the ARPANET. Acting as principal investigator, NAC utilized the Control Data 6600 computer to develop models that analyzed and optimized network structure, guiding its phased expansions. They also created economic models for packet switching technologies applicable to both data and voice transmission to promote corporate adoption. Despite presenting these benefits to AT&T, the company remained skeptical.
NAC worked alongside DARPA on a military network initiative inspired by ARPANET. Their analytical work and designs shaped the development of AUTODIN II, which was eventually succeeded by the Defense Data Network. This latter network incorporated ARPANET infrastructure and was built upon NAC’s foundational contributions for AUTODIN II.
Personal life
Howard Frank was married to Jane Frank, and together they raised three children. The couple gained recognition for assembling one of the largest collections of science fiction artwork globally.
Awards and honours
- In 2013, Howard Frank was honored by being inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame by the Internet Society.
- He was also a recipient of the Presidential Distinguished Service Medal.