Robust web services in heterogeneous military networks

NATO Network Enabled Capability is first and foremost about achieving better interaction between the different actors involved in military operations. This implies more efficient exchange of information. Consequently, the NATO information infrastructure will consist of a federation of systems, including a plethora of different information and communication systems, as well as a mix of new and legacy systems. NATO recommends a service-oriented architecture approach based on Web services to enable such a federation. In this article we explain how the communication protocols normally used in Web services are unsuited for disadvantaged and heterogeneous networks. We then present our prototype proxy, which enables the use of standard unmodified Web services across all network types, including tactical networks with low data rates and frequent disruptions. It is designed to work with existing security mechanisms, and also offers further optimizations in the form of optional plug-ins.