Chapter 2
Theater Network Support and the LandWarNet
The LWN seeks to enable "one battle command system" as part of "one network" that provides a link from the Soldier to a sustaining base. This is done using tailored software applications that are optimized for the combined arms commander to satisfy the supporting needs of the staff. It will ensure guaranteed response times for capabilities built on distributed applications and data operating under adverse conditions. These conditions facilitate effective planning, synchronizing, and virtually rehearsing full EMS operations, no matter where they are in the operational environment. It will reach across the operational and functional domains (tactics, business, and intelligence), as well as joint, multi-national, and coalition enterprises to enable deployed forces.
SECTION I - PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES
LANDWARNET
2-1. LWN represents the Army's unified, coherent network development effort, providing capabilities that enable the Warfighter today and in the future to succeed in all potential operational environments. LWN consists of the Army's contribution to the global, joint, interagency, operationally-based, always-on IT networking grid. The LWN is the connecting point that makes the Army an integral part of any joint force.
2-2. LWN integrates the Army's Warfighting, business, intelligence, and network domains and provides access to the GIG. LWN consists of all globally interconnected Army IM and information systems capabilities, associated processes, and people that collect, process, store, disseminate, protect, and manage information on demand in support of the Warfighter. LWN is an enabler of all operational phases of the joint fight, from mobilization and deployment to decisive operations and stabilization/reconstruction. LWN integrates Warfighting functions and enhances commander-centric operations by enabling broad dissemination and knowledge of the commander's intent and facilitating the rapid conversion of relevant information into decisions and actions. LWN aligns Army network goals with the Navy's and Marine's FORCEnet and the Air Force's Command and Control Constellation Network (C2 ConstellationNet).
PRINCIPLES
2-3. Theater network support meets user needs by applying "jointness" to systems engineering, planning, deployment, and operation of information services. Joint forces must be networked, linked, and synchronized in time and purpose in order to allow more efficiency in dispersed forces to communicate, maneuver, share information, collaborate, and have a common operating picture. Networked forces have the ability to span operational distances by taking advantage of reachback. Being joint requires near simultaneous collection, processing, and dissemination of information to maintain more relevant and complete situational awareness and to employ the right capabilities in the right place and at the right time. Making this possible requires that theater networks be interoperable, agile, trusted, and shared.
Interoperability
2-4. Interoperability is necessary to facilitate the success of gaining IS for any joint, multinational, or interagency operation. Interoperability is achieved among the command, control, and communications system components that are interchangeable so that information can be exchanged directly and adequately between users.
Commonality
2-5. Commonality makes interoperability more feasible. Equipment and systems are common when they are compatible, and each can be operated and maintained by personnel trained on one system without requiring additional specialized training for the others. Common systems share interchangeable repair parts, components, or subassemblies.
Compatibility
2-6. Compatibility is also a means of gaining interoperability. It is the capability of two or more items or components of equipment or material to exist or function in the same system or environment without mutual interference. Electromagnetic compatibility, including frequency supportability, must be considered at the earliest conceptual stage and throughout the planning, design, development, testing, evaluation, and operational life cycle of all systems.
Standardization
2-7. Standardization ensures that the broad objectives of the National Communications System (NCS), the GIG, the DISN, and tactical communications systems that use the DISN interface all operate under the same systems and procedural guidelines whenever feasible. Standardization includes minimizing ad hoc field patches for noncompliance, achieving maximum economy from cross-servicing and cross- procurement, permitting emergency supply assistance among services, facilitating functional joint and service communications, and avoiding unnecessary duplication in new technology research and development.
Agility
2-8. Agility is the characteristic of being able to conduct decentralized execution. The speed and accuracy of a commander's actions to address changing situations are key contributors to agility. The network must facilitate and meet the needs of the commander and his decision making processes. Network agility is being able to meet current user needs, under continually changing circumstances and conditions. To be agile, networks must have flexibility, reliability, redundancy, timeliness, and mobility.
Flexibility
2-9. Flexibility allows rapid integration at all levels of joint and service information systems support and is required to meet changing situations and diverse operations with minimal disruption or delay. The connectivity achieved and maintained with flexible systems is particularly important during contingency operations. Flexibility is a necessary adjunct to the other principles of interoperability, survivability, and compatibility.
Reliability
2-10. Reliability ensures that networks must be available when needed and must perform as intended. Reliability is achieved by designing systems and networ