Networked Communications Capability
Abstract
Currently fielded satellite communications (SATCOM), terrestrial, and Tactical Data Links (TDLs) will be adversely affected during operations in contested Anti-Access/Area-Denial (A2/AD) environments. The primary threat is from sophisticated electronic warfare capable of advanced jamming and signal collection techniques that are rapidly evolving to become more capable and agile. Department of Defense (DoD) advances in smart sensors and smart weapons have an urgent need for more resilient networks than the tactical data links of today. In FY 2016, the Network Communications Capability Program (NCCP) returned with a new focus on developing enabling technologies for Joint assured communications networks. The goals of this program are: to mitigate degradation across battlespace tiers and domains, and to provide agility that will support the mission needs of Joint Functional Component Commanders, Joint Force Commanders, and deployed forces. The DoD’s current TDLs platforms and capabilities are not sufficiently protected from emerging adversary threats and contain insufficient capacity for future needs. In order to enable the promise of net-centric operations for the warfighter, the next generation of airborne, surface, and ground tactical networks must provide greater affordability, higher network capacity, greater durability against electronic attack, better network connectivity, and faster response times to the changing demands from airborne, maritime, and ground users. Many line-of-sight (LOS), beyond LOS, and SATCOM waveforms have been integrated onto platforms for various missions. These waveforms necessarily exhibit tradeoffs in target performance attributes including capacity, latency, protection, and complexity. As a result, no single waveform capability will be able to satisfy all emerging mission needs emphasizing the need for interoperability and software-defined waveforms. The challenge is to understand the essential needs of the users, avoid needless redundancy, develop affordable capabilities, and integrate separate capabilities into a cohesive network. This research will develop transformative technologies to ensure performance in contested A2/AD environments by focusing on future communications networks that are a “leap ahead” of today’s capabilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2021
- Source ID
- 0603662D8Z_3_0400_PB_2021
- Change Summary Explanation
- Service Agency Name
- Office of the Secretary Of Defense
Entities
Organizations
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
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