Military Communications and Information Technology: A Trusted ...

CFBLNet: A Coalition Capability Enabling Network
Edgar Harmsen, Syvert Maesel, Fred Jordan, Rob Goode,
Einar Thorsen, Jan-Willem Smaal
Cyber Defence and Assured Information Assurance Sharing,
NII Communication Infrastructure Services, NATO Communications and Information Agency,
The Hague, The Hague, the Netherlands,
{Edgar.Harmsen, Syvert.Maesel, Frederic.Jordan, Rob.Goode,
Einar.Thorsen, Jan-Willem.Smaal}@ncia.nato.int
Abstract: CFBLNet federates the facilities of mission partners to support distributed test and interoperability
assessment of mission systems in a multinational environment prior to operational
deployment. Many significant Initiatives have been supported and contributed to coalition success,
notably ISAF training missions. CFBLNet membership is open to all NATO Nations and mission
partners of which five are presently members and is growing further.
Keywords: CFBLNet; C4ISR; RDT&A; federation; coalition, cyber defence; testing; exercise; training
I. Introduction
This paper introduces the operational and cost saving benefits that nations
can rapidly achieve by using CFBLNet for the preparation and transition to operation
of their C4ISR capabilities. This paper provides essential information for
decision makers at National MODs who are responsible for preparing Command,
Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
(C4ISR) for multinational operations, addressing both ‘train as you fight’ and
‘coalition interoperability’ validation. The CFBLNet supports the entire spectrum
of ‘Smart Defence’ and is a potential model for future federated mission networks.
The capability is available to the majority of the International Security Assistance
Force (ISAF) mission partners today and in future accessible to new members. It reduces
significantly the cost to each of the national participants through the mechanism
of one capability being re-used by many partners.
II. Background
CFBLNet was established in 2001 and is currently open to 34 Mission partners.
These mission partners are: all 28 NATO nations and Austria, Australia, Finland,
New Zealand, Sweden and the NATO organisations. Operating as a true federa-