Abstract: A system, method and framework incorporates one or more analytical engines and sensitivity models to process data and project real-time or near-real-time threats, risks, vulnerabilities and/or opportunities statically or continuously. Response assessments can be reflected on a graphical interface so as to provide a consolidated depiction of threats, risks, vulnerabilities and/or opportunities. Response assessments can also be reflected as one or more signal controls to a physical device.

Abstract: A communication network and method implementing a star-tree topology utilizes conventional hardward and the CSMA/CD protocol. The network comprises in one embodiment at least two sets of user devices, in turn comprised of at least two user devices, connected through optical connectors and intelligent hubs to one another. Within each set of devices, the devices themselves are connected together by optical connectors through an optical coupler and an intelligent hub.The method according to one embodiment involves the steps of assigning unique addresses to each hub and subhub in the network and of assigning a device address to each user device. The device address need only be different from the addresses of the other devices in the family. The messages are sent from any one station through a passive coupler to all the other stations connected thereto.