Network Design Methodology for Network-Centric Operations

This paper presents a network design methodology for network-centric (NC) operations, in which all required functions/capabilities of warfighter needs are optimized using the shared situation awareness and resources derived from a networked communications infrastructure. Knowledge, including shared situation awareness of the battlespace and shared understanding of commanders' intent, enables the warfighter to self-synchronize, leverage available resources, operate more effectively in accomplishing mission goals. The networked communications infrastructure that facilitates the NC operations is referred to as the Command, Control, Communication, Computer, Information, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) networked communications. Our network design methodology was based on a layered decomposition approach in which key enabling components were optimized jointly in all layers to satisfy the C4ISR needs. The network design methodology can help transforming the required C4ISR needs into operational capabilities such that a warfighter can obtain/share the required awareness in advance and enable timely coordinated action at a distance.