A Military Communication Supernetwork Structure Model for Netcentric Environment

Within a net centric environment, military communication networks (MCNs) are mostly characterized by heterogeneous nodes and multilinked relationships between nodes. Traditional graph theory based network structure models are difficult to describe such characteristics of MCN accurately. In order to analyze, design, and build MCNs for a net centric environment, we propose a novel structure model based on super network by extending and integrating Jeff Cares' combat network model and Hans E.keus' Net force Reference Model. The model's mathematical structure is given in detail. The proposed model is able to represent two key characteristics of MCNs, i.e. node's functional types and link's transmission types. Based on the proposed model, the military communication super network can be decomposed into several functional or special sub-networks which are more meaningful in the military background. As an example, a joint operational forces communication super network structure is given to validate the proposed super network model.