Layered communications architecture for the Global Grid

Abstract

A layered communications architecture is advocated for the military's Global Communications Grid (GCG) or Global Grid (GG), the communications infrastructure of the Global Information Grid (GIG). A seven-layer reference model consisting of mission, application, service, transport, network, link and physical layers is introduced; the GG corresponds to the transport and network layers. The fundamental concept for military interoperability inherent in the GG architecture, viz., network-centricity, is explained. The importance of "layering" communications protocols and functions is discussed. Examples of layering communications, management and security functions are provided.