Layered Communications Architecture for the Global Grid

摘要

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.