The warfighters' future link to information

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to introduce the concept of having a jointly integrated networking schema to better enhance battlefield communications and the dissemination of information using a smart push/pull concept from the highest commander down to the individual soldier. The concept of having a robust and dynamic network could provide the United States Armed Forces a better way of integrating the individual soldier's performance into higher level units. Current systems in the armed forces inventory are not truly interoperable, and not everyone has the capability to receive the information that these systems carry. A networked battlefield would allow everyone on the network to receive data carried by all systems. With smart integration and design using commercially tested standards, the network can be built for all battlefield components. Each component would bring its equipment into the battlefield and become part of the network. Their systems would be able to plug and play with all other systems in the battlefield. The liberal use of COTS and GOTS networking equipment will reduce the cost of the network and would ensure compatibility among the battlefield -components. Using OSI layers in the design of the system would ensure compatibility. DOD would need to make a concerted effort by having all of the services agree to make the battlefield network a top priority.