Top 10 Data Requirements for JADC2

JOINT ALL-DOMAIN COMMAND AND CONTROL

Rapid changes in the global security environment are challenging the U.S. Military’s ability
to seize, maintain and protect its information and decision advantage over potential JADC2 Data Requirements:
adversaries. These challenges require a focused U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) effort
to modernize how the Joint Force develops, implements and manages its C2 capabilities 1. DATA CENTRICITY
to prevail in all operational domains, across echelons, and with coalition mission partners.
JADC2 provides a coherent approach for shaping future Joint Force C2 capabilities and 2. NETWORK TRANSPORT-
is intended to produce the warfighting capability to sense, make sense, and act at all AGNOSTIC
levels and phases of war, across all domains, and with designated partners, to deliver a
decisive information advantage to the operational and tactical commander so they can 3. MULTI-DOMAIN SECURITY
converge joint and multi-domain effects at the speed of relevance. ARCHITECTURE

4. ZERO TRUST / SECURITY

This problem space is complex and is hampered by the current patchwork of brittle,
stove–piped legacy systems, equipment, bespoke networks that support singular security 5. MODULAR OPEN SYSTEMS
domains, and a variety of data configurations with hard–coded, proprietary interfaces APPROACH (MOSA) AND
and structures that require data unpacking, translation and repackaging at the tactical OPEN STANDARDS
edge. This approach incurs significant overhead that throttles real–time networks and
impedes the speed of convergence — at a time when real–time information delivery is 6. CLOUD TO TACTICAL
paramount and can mean the difference between success or failure. EDGE CONNECTIVITY AND
ENABLEMENT
To drive increasing competitiveness, the DoD has adopted a Data Strategy that states,
“The DoD is a data-centric organization that uses data at speed and scale for operational 7. DESIGN FOR
advantage and increased efficiency.” Furthermore, it mandates that, “It is the responsibility DISCONNECTED
of all DoD leaders to treat data as a weapon system and manage, secure, and use data OPERATIONS WITH DATA
for operational effect.”¹ PERSISTENCE

8. INTEROPERABILITY
Created to accelerate the implementation of agile, highly-responsive systems, the
JADC2 program enables the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and U.S. Navy to implement 9. SCALABILITY
service-specific solutions in the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) project,
Project Convergence and Project Overmatch, respectively, to address these network 10. NETWORK HEALTH
and interoperability needs. The implementation of these systems is now driving the TOOLS
emergence of data requirements that will guide and refine successful implementations
of JADC2.

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TOP 10 DATA REQUIREMENTS FOR JADC2

1. DATA CENTRICITY
To enable decision dominance at the speed of war, JADC2 systems must provide data to decision makers and decision-
making Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) systems across different operational commands, from the
tactical edge to the cloud. This aligns precisely with the DoD Data Strategy announced on September 30, 2020 that directs
DoD leaders to evolve all DoD assets into data-centric assets that treat data as a weapon system. This document outlines
seven goals of this strategy — to make data Visible, Accessible, Understandable, Linked, Trustworthy, Interoperable and
Secure (VAULTIS).
Data centricity refers to a system architecture where data is the primary and permanent asset, and applications come and
go. Instead of exchanging messages, software components communicate via shared data objects that appear to be local
data. Applications directly read and write the value of these objects, which are cached in each participant.
To reap the rewards of a data-centric architecture network, architects need to:
• Establish metadata tagging criteria
• Adopt and use standardized data interfaces
• Implement common data availability and access practices
• Incorporate data security best practices
• Establish JADC2-conformant Information Technology (IT) standards
• Apply VAULTIS goals throughout the enterprise
The requirements for effective data integration must be considered from the earliest stages of data sharing and security
and applied across the warfighting domains, in order to deliver rapid collection, fusion and customization of data.
Ideal for JADC2 systems, RTI Connext® is the leading software connectivity framework for implementing data-centric
architectures in next-generation defense systems. It is built upon a peer-to-peer, data-centric architecture that delivers
critical real-time data to AI and ML at wire speed, without servers or brokers. Connext is loosely coupled with a network
discovery capability, enabling a network component “plug-n-play” capability. This allows users to dynamically insert new
capabilities into a network that can be automatically discovered by operations technology, without powering down their
systems.
The Connext architecture supports VAULTIS by design. Its application programming interfaces (APIs) drive access and
visibility across multiple hardware and operating systems platforms in a consistent, understandable format. Its Real-Time
Publish-Subscribe (RTPS) wire protocol drives rapid and consistent interoperability, while its open security capabilities
enable trusted access across multiple security domains in real time. Connext enables a clear, open standards-based
migration from network-centric systems to powerful data-centric environments, in many cases using the same network
equipment.

2. NETWORK TRANSPORT-AGNOSTIC
JADC2 networks must support all network transports, as these include a multitude of physical links such as HF, V/UHF
communications links, SATCOM, landline and/or optical fiber. Therefore, it is necessary to move data across wide-area
networks to the tactical edge across all of these possible links in the path, without loss of data integrity. In addition, the
JADC2 networks must eliminate the barriers between training and warfighting to enable a ‘train as you fight’ paradigm. The
opportunities for Blended Synthetic [training] Environments comprising multiple actors in the air, on the ground or at sea
are limitless with a properly instituted multi-domain network.
Connext works across all network transports, including UDP, TCP, InfiniBand, shared memory and more. Connext naturally
extends this connectivity to soldier training systems. This approach enables a migration from vendor-locked, server-based
legacy training environments using HLA, DIS, CIGI and TENA standards to modern open gaming systems using Unity®
and Epic Games® Unreal Engine®. Connext provides all training systems with access to live, real-time data from any field
of operations. This enables very rich platforms that allow soldiers to train as they fight and use the exact data they will
use in the fight. Connext is the ideal connectivity foundation for next-generation training systems, such as the U.S. Army
Synthetic Training Environment (STE).

3. MULTI-DOMAIN SECURITY ARCHITECTURE

The JADC2 challenge is to support multi-domain operations (MDO) where the data from each network domain can be
securely shared by multiple armed services, multiple defense supplier systems and coalition partners. Our global militaries
currently have thousands of networks dedicated to a particular supplier, sensing system, weapon system or command and
control (C2) platform. Each of these networks has its own security strategy and control of data in that domain, typically
through a single-level secure dedicated network pipe. This network traditionally has trusted endpoints for data-in-motion
and clear data from a single security domain inside the pipe, or full encryption of all contents in the pipe. Many of these
systems use cross-domain platforms that are challenging to configure and cumbersome to modify to deliver data to
mission partners.
RTI Connext enables an open and secure federated data fabric, so that operations data can be shared at the appropriate
security echelon level.

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4. ZERO TRUST / SECURITY

A Zero Trust environment assumes that adversaries are everywhere in the network. The network architecture must support
securing data from all operational domains across the delivery environment. Individual data topics from each security
domain need to be secured with unique data authentication and encryption strategies so only parties with appropriate
credentials can access these topics. Multiple dedicated network pipes can no longer be a requirement. Instead, Joint Force
C2 networks must employ layered security features supporting multiple military domains and be able to securely share
data on optimized network pipes as permitted, enabling high network efficiency and lower operations costs. This entire
environment must be free of single points of failure and must be standards-based for high scalability and rapid deployment
by all domains.
Connext complies with the open Object Management Group (OMG®) Data Distribution Service (DDS™) security standard,
enabling the rapid inclusion of proven authentication, access control and cryptographic modules into mixed-domain,
Zero Trust JADC2 networks. Connext enables a standards-based security architecture that is independent of hardware
and network platforms. Connext is also ideal for securing data-in-motion deployments down to the level of individual
data elements, with distinct security credentials on shared network pipes. This approach makes the need for dedicated
networks for each security domain obsolete.
The capability to share operational data from different security domains can also enable the divestiture of networks with
brittle, hard-to-advance characteristics, saving defense teams millions in costs.

5. MODULAR OPEN SYSTEMS APPROACH (MOSA) AND OPEN STANDARDS

All JADC2 future procurement should fully embrace MOSA and open industry standards. This would help the US armed
forces to migrate from proprietary, stove-pipe solutions to an open systems architecture, fulfilling the ‘system of systems’
approach desired by all branches. Open standards also make the US armed services less reliant on single vendors, opening
the door to MOSA-compliant vendors and enhancing competition.
The JADC2 data fabric must incorporate efficient, evolvable and broadly applicable common data standards and
architectures. To advance this concept, the DoD could adopt DDS as a foundation for building towards MDO capability.
This can be done incrementally to mitigate risk and manage cash flow. The desired outcome is a multi-vendor, multi-domain
capable network where data is seamlessly shared in an “all sensors, best shooter, the right C2 node” engagement paradigm.
Connext is based on the open DDS standard, which is managed by the OMG. It is used in defense networks and forms the
connectivity foundation of over twenty MOSA standards, including FACE, MOCU, Navy Open Architecture, OMS, ROS 2,
SOSA™, TMSC, UMAA, UCS and more.
RTI is fully committed to open standards and was the first company to achieve FACE conformance certification for its
Connext® TSS product that satisfies all requirements for the FACE Transport Services Segment (TSS).

6. CLOUD TO TACTICAL EDGE CONNECTIVITY AND ENABLEMENT

JADC2 networks must have enterprise cloud to tactical edge connectivity. Multiple combat cloud and tactical cloud
technologies must be supported, including Google Protocol Buffers, Apache Kafka® and other legacy and emerging
network strategies to enable instantaneous decision-making using the latest AI and ML. This architecture will drive:
• Enhanced shared situational awareness
• Synchronous and asynchronous global collaboration
• Strategic and operational joint planning
• Real-time global force visualization and management
• Predictive force readiness and logistics
• Real-time synchronization and integration of kinetic and non-kinetic joint and long-range precision fires
• Enhanced abilities to assess Joint Force and mission partner performance
Cloud enablement is relatively easy, due to the similarity of cloud systems. Far more challenging is enabling the tactical
edge with similar capabilities using a diverse set of microprocessors and graphics processing units (GPUs) with the
latest embedded AI and ML engines. Enabling tactical edge network systems with advanced, real-time decision-making
available in cloud environments will deliver a consistent mission environment in the battlefield, even when networks are
disconnected, congested and contested. Connext drives real-time data connectivity from the cloud to the tactical edge
using open standards-based technologies. Connext is loosely coupled and has a discovery mechanism to detect new
capabilities, enabling a plug-and-play paradigm.

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7. DESIGN FOR DISCONNECTED OPERATIONS WITH DATA PERSISTENCE

JADC2 networks will most certainly be under constant attack by adversaries across the entire communications chain.
Therefore, the Joint Force must be able to operate with minimum guidance within a degraded or contested C2 environment,
and commanders and staff must train aggressively in conditions where sensing and communications are severely impacted
or completely disabled, and where adversary intentions are ambiguous. In addition, operations should be designed to
be resilient to handle periods of limited bandwidth, disconnected devices and congested/contested network availability
during critical operations. Also, the Quality of Service (QoS) of data delivery must be designed to provide data persistence
during periods of reduced data availability that can cause data denial for warfighters in the field.
RTI Connext has over twenty QoS settings to enable data persistence — its discovery capabilities allow the network
to automatically heal and resume high–speed operations after network attacks, failures or loss of devices, nodes and
systems. Connext enables secure access to data to the right warfighters during fully-connected, lossy, limited bandwidth
and disconnected operations.
Connext enables a tactical edge-to-cloud environment that supports a common look and feel using shared data. In this
manner, it can reduce training requirements for all warfighters in the chain of operations.

8. INTEROPERABILITY
The Joint Force data fabric must consist of efficient, evolvable and broadly applicable common data standards and
architectures, with standardized key interfaces and services to access, aggregate, manage, store, process and share data
across a large environment with a wide variety of partners and for operational uses. This wide range of mission participants
demands rapid interoperability between disparate systems to bring to the fight the latest technologies and capabilities
for the warfighter. The fastest and easiest way to do this is to have an open, standards-based wire protocol, so network
applications can speak the same language.
RTI Connext supports the RTPS wire protocol, based on an open standard managed by OMG. RTPS in JADC2 systems
guarantees interoperability between applications written in different programming languages and deployed on different
systems by different defense suppliers. This enables a single, integrated, coherent JADC2 network.

9. SCALABILITY
Universal and continuous information sharing must be designed and operated at the enterprise level. JADC2 applications
and processes will depend on multiple enterprise nodes and supporting communications networks to provide global
connectivity with the bandwidth, functionality and security needed to bring vital information to the Joint Force Commander.
JADC2 systems must be able to rapidly scale to support diverse deployment designs and enable new operational units
to ‘join the fight’ with existing networks, without loss of integrity. Joining units will need the same data model knowledge
to properly interface with existing units. Note that since the network is ‘equipment-agnostic’ and adheres to MOSA and
a common data model, the joining units can seamlessly tap into the JADC2 network — simply put, it is interoperability in
action.
RTI Connext delivers peer-to-peer architecture that eliminates dependencies on network servers and brokers, and is
therefore able to provide secure data at physics speed between devices and warfighters. This has been proven in defense
deployments, including sensor-to-shooter platforms with over ten million publish-subscribe pairs.

10. NETWORK HEALTH TOOLS

As stated earlier, JADC2 networks will be under constant attack by adversaries. Therefore, the Joint Force C2 must employ
a layered defense — spearheaded by a strong cyber defense — to deter malicious activity that would threaten enterprise
operations. The Joint Force must have clear policy guidance, sufficient authorities, adequate training, timely intelligence
and the technology necessary to conduct secure C2 in a globally contested environment.
The DoD must adopt a wartime mindset during day-to-day operations — e.g., “train as we fight” — and develop
knowledgeable leaders and staff with the training to employ the tools and authorities at their disposal. Merely deploying
new networks with greater speeds and bandwidth will not mitigate these attacks or make our decision-making faster than
adversaries. Tools will be required to determine network health, connectivity and availability.
RTI Connext Infrastructure Services enable developers to rapidly scale and integrate real-time, distributed systems based
on a diverse set of technologies. Connext Infrastructure Services span a wide range of use cases, including Cloud Discovery
Service, Web Integration Service, Database Integration Service, Routing Service and Persistence Service. These network
health tools deliver unique and powerful functionalities that drive increased capabilities for any distributed system and help
speed time to deployment.
In addition, RTI Monitor and Administration Console tools enable a consolidated perspective of cross-network operations
for JADC2 networks, including detailed statistics on errors, traffic, resource usage, log analysis and system network
topology display.

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TOP 10 DATA REQUIREMENTS FOR JADC2

SUMMARY
These ten JADC2 network capabilities — Data Centricity, Network Transport-Agnostic, Multi-Domain Security Architecture,
Zero Trust, MOSA, Open Standards, Cloud to Tactical Edge Connectivity, Design for Disconnected Operations with Data
Persistence, Interoperability, Scalability and Network Health Tools — will enable a true Mission Partner Environment that
is inclusive of all combined sensors, command and control. Optimized weapons systems across our Armed Services and
coalition partner ecosystem form the foundation of a successful, deployable and maintainable JADC2 environment.
RTI Connext, a commercial product, is already proven in defense networks and is the only technology that fulfills all of
these demanding network requirements. Its existing deployment footprint vastly reduces the cost and time of realizing a
viable and robust JADC2 environment. Connext peer-to-peer architecture eliminates servers and brokers, enabling real-
time access to data at physics speed for all operations domains worldwide, as well as decision dominance at the speed
of war. Connext is the ideal connectivity foundation for JADC2, enabling a single unified network that can operate as one.

¹Source - U.S. DoD Data Strategy:

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