ISSUE 182 : Jul/Aug - 2010 - Australian Defence Force Journal

Proposed conceptThe proposed network seeks to capitalise on available technologies that can be ‘nested’with the requirements of the operational commander. The concept is not conclusive but isintended to promote further discussion and analysis. Accordingly, facets of the architectureor procedural aspects may not meet current Australian requirements. These should not beconsidered research errors but further issues that must be considered as part of the upgradingof the ADF’s communications and information systems.Figure 1 represents a coalition information system that has the potential to fill the currentcapability gaps. A network topology of this nature would specifically provide the capabilityto readily and securely exchange operational information and intelligence across a commonglobal network of national domains, in accordance with the use of contemporary networkdesign principles.Figure 1. Bilateral/Multilateral Common Coalition Information Systems Concept(© the author)In theory, the proposed approach—at least on a bilateral basis—would be relatively simpleto achieve, given the pending employment of the wideband global SATCOM (WGS) program.It will see the ADF draw on a global coverage payload of military-designated frequencies,with Australia expected to be allocated 10 per cent of the bandwidth and 15 per cent of thebeams across all satellites. 6 This will generate a capability increase comparable to the ADF’sfirst employment of satellite services. However, noting that the future operating environmentis likely to consist of a number of partner nations, it is suggested a more practical approachwould involve a capability across the coalition community, for which WGS may not be the mostsuitable satellite bearer or architecture.84