Unmanned Aircraft Systems Roadmap 2005-2030 - Federation of ...

UAS ROADMAP 2005
FIGURE C-7. BLACK TRANSPORT EDGE-TO-EDGE.
DoD Net-Centric Data Strategy
For data from one computer or software application to be useable in a different computer or software
application, that data must be in a format that is compatible to both. Traditionally, DoD has accomplished
this compatibility through data administration, standardizing and controlling data element definitions and
structures across the DoD enterprise. This approach proved too cumbersome, in part due to the constantly
evolving technology and in part due to the sheer scope of the enterprise.
DoD/CIO has since published an updated approach to achieving data interoperability called the DoD Net-
Centric Data Strategy. This approach expands the focus beyond mere standardization of format, to
making data visible and accessible across the network. It recognizes that in addition to predefined sets of
users, there will be unanticipated users requiring access to the data. The key tenet to this strategy is the
development, registration and publication of metadata. This allows developers full access information
about data made available and simplifies the creation of interfaces to feed the data to various applications.
Complete information regarding the DoD Net-Centric Data Strategy is available at the DoD Metadata
Registry and Clearing house at http://diides.ncr.disa.mil/mdregHomePage/mdregHome.portal.
UA SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Implementing network interfaces between all UA systems and subsystems provides three key benefits:
(1) connects the UA to the GIG through either legacy, current, or programmed physical links - copper
wire, optical fiber, RF, laser (2) enhances the GIG’s aggregate data handling capacity, and (3) facilitates
separating UA functions, making it easier to create modular plug and play components.
Separate Physical Connection From Transport Protocol
UA systems do not have to wait until a net-centric wireless technology is fielded to connect to the GIG.
The physical connection between two nodes, be it wire, radio waves or light, merely transfers a signal
from one point in space to another. Embedded in that signal is the sequence of ones and zeros that
constitute the data being passed. IP based network connections can be implemented using any physical
connection. This makes it possible to connect legacy systems to the GIG by replacing tightly coupled,
unique data transfer implementations with IP based network connections. Creating an IP network based
transport layer separates the data transfer protocols from the physical connection and integrates UA into
the GIG regardless of the wireless technology employed (C-band, CDL, JTRS, LaserComm).
APPENDIX C - COMMUNICATIONS
Page C-13