Global Information Grid (GIG) Edge Network Interface Architecture

The robust and reliable Global Information Grid (GIG) incurs in significant overhead and latency to support its architecture and protocol services. At the same time, mission critical tactical `Edge' networks must seamlessly interface with Tier 3 GIG networks while maintaining deterministic functionality and low latency communications. Isolation between the Edge networks and the GIG's network overhead is critical as it results in improved mission effectiveness. The Boeing Company has defined a GIG Edge network interface architecture to seamlessly interconnect these networks and the GIG. It defines a gateway between a GIG Edge network and current and future military and government networks, information management systems and applications. Our gateway provides for addressing and routing, information assurance, end-to-end QoS, and network services to and across the Edge network. It enables interfacing with Tier 3 networks supporting IGP OSPFv3, provides protocol translation functionality and proxy functions on behalf of active Edge network nodes, supports DiffServ mapping for packet transmissions and IntServ/RSVP-based QoS provisioning for time critical applications, and supports tactical Information Management (IM) services such as data dissemination, QoS, and topology management.