Networked Communications Capability
Abstract
The Networked Communications Capability (NCC) Program Element (PE) plays a vital role in supporting the Department of Defense (DoD) and Defense Industrial Base (DIB) ecosystem. NCC focuses on maturing and demonstrating technologies that foster interoperable, resilient, and capable strategic and Joint Force communications capabilities. Given the critical reliance of DoD missions on command, control, and communications (C3) infrastructure, the NCC PE addresses challenges faced by the DoD's existing C3 infrastructure, including internal system-centric design approaches, as opposed to network- and data-centric ones, and external threats from aggressive adversary actions. The integration of both DoD and commercial embedded, virtualized, and cloud-hosted hybrid systems and networks underscores the increasing importance of the DoD's ability to rapidly reconfigure and reconstitute this infrastructure. Ultimately, the NCC PE envisions C3 that is accessible for anyone, anywhere, anytime, and through any environment. The NCC PE strategy employs secure and rapidly reconfigurable software-defined/hardware-supported solutions across the layers of the DoD communications stack (physical, network, information, and application layers). The technology integrates these layers to establish a highly agile, adaptable, and resilient C3 infrastructure. This approach ensures the DoD's ability to maintain critical communications in diverse mission domains such as terrestrial, maritime, air, space, and cyberspace. Additionally, it operates effectively in degraded, contested, or denied environments, supporting both tactical edge and strategic contexts. Building upon previous work with Software Defined Radios (SDRs), the NCC PE utilizes adaptive methods to dynamically analyze the operating environment. This includes considering parameter changes within individual waveforms and switching between high-data rate, low probability of detection techniques, and leveraging tunable waveforms for C3 across various scenarios. The integration of Software Defined Network (SDN) protocols facilitates routing the right information to the right users at the optimal speed and quality, aligning with the requirements of diverse warfighting missions. These advancements will leverage commercially available software and hardware where possible. The NCC PE works in collaboration with the Joint Tactical Networking Center (JTNC) and the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) in collaborative partnership to advocate for the proper testing, evaluation, verification and validation, and certification of all relevant SDR (inclusive of the waveforms) and SDN solutions from DIB partners for the purpose of ensuring enduring interoperability / compatibility, resiliency, and capability advancement for the positive benefit of US DoD warfighters and as well those of Allied Nations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 0603662D8Z_3_0400_PB_2025
- Change Summary Explanation
- FY 2024 NCC PE had an increase of ~$7.000M to assist in supporting the Integrated Broadcast System Demo (IBS MX Demo) -- the effort was directed by the Deputy Secretary of Defense to assist with continued NCC capabilities and is to be completed by the end of FY 2024. FY 2025 PB Program Adjustments -- A reduction of $0.053 million was applied to meet DoD overall funding reductions, which were spread to mitigate impact. FY 2025 PB Program Adjustments -- Funding increase of $0.011 million for Economic Assumptions.
- Service Agency Name
- Office of the Secretary Of Defense
Entities
Organizations
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
Related Documents
- Child Project: Networked Communications Analysis
- Child Accomplishment: NCC