Network-Centric Warfare-Its Nature and Modelling
Abstract
This study examines the concept of network-centric warfare with the aims of characterising network centricity as clearly as possible and identifying metrics for level of net-centricity'. Properties of network-centric systems, as expounded in the literature, were critically examined to derive examples of suitable metrics. This examination suggests that, except for the provision of reachback, none of the properties is clearly diagnostic of network centricity: it is possible to conceive of systems displaying one or more of them despite not being net-centric as we understand the term. This means that metrics for these properties are not well correlated with the degree of network centricity of the system. Another list of properties was compiled, derived from characteristics of the internet and other effective networks, that is better suited to the identification of network centricity. Consideration of this led to the conclusion that access to a high-capability network is not sufficient for a system to be network-centric, it is also necessary that the network be used in an appropriate manner-a manner supporting the force as a whole, rather than being focused on the needs of a particular unit or platform. Not only must the right information be available to the right person at the right time in the right form, but also it must be put to the right use. This emphasis on motivation in the definition of network centricity parallels, though is distinct from, recent work emphasising human aspects in command and control (C2). As with C2, network centricity is not just about hardware. The question of defining a general metric that faithfully indicates level of network centricity is examined with the aid of a specific example, but remains open.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA420257
Entities
People
- M. P. Fewell
- Mark G. Hazen
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group