Cyber-Physical Queueing-Network Model for Risk Management in Next-Generation Emergency Response Systems

Abstract: Queueing-network models are developed for enhanced and next-generation 911 (E911 and NG911) systems, which capture both their cyber-components (communications, data-processing) and physical-world-elements (call takers, vehicle dispatch). The models encompass both the call-processing and dispatch functions of 911, and can represent the interdependencies between multiple PSAPs enabled by NG911. An instantiation of the model for a future NG911 system for Charlotte, North Carolina, is developed and used to assess performance metrics. Representation of cyber-threats (e.g. Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks) within the queueing-network model is undertaken. Based on these representations, the model is used for analysis of holistic threat impacts, as a step toward risk and vulnerability assessment for future emergency response systems.