1. A system for resource allocation in a network including a plurality of processors and sensors, the system comprising: a computer programmed to simultaneously determine a minimum number of processors and processor computing capabilities needed to process messages over a plurality if virtual links in the network, wherein each virtual link represents a dedicated data communication path between one of the sensors and at least one of the processors in the network; and wherein simultaneously determining the number of processors and computing capabilities includes: determining a centered sensor/effector wire allocation to a router; determining a centered parameter allocation to the messages; determining a centered message allocation to the virtual links; determining an optimal number of centered processors; and determining a centered application allocation to the processors.