Military requirements for packet-switched networks and their implications for protocol standardization

This paper outlines the nature of the military requirements for packet-switched data communications and contrasts these requirements with those of commercial, industrial and private users served by common carrier public packet-switched data networks. Current US Department of Defense policy on the use of commercial standards in defense systems is reviewed. Deficiencies in existing standards for military applications are identified and implications for the development of a suitable military data communications architecture are drawn. A strategy of military standardization is outlined which adopts commercial standards where they apply and supplements these with special military standards as needed to satisfy unique military requirements. The thesis of this paper is illustrated by a discussion of the applicability of the CCITT X.25 protocol standard to military communications.