Protected core networking: an architectural approach to secure and flexible communications

Protected core networking (PCN) is a concept intended to be used to implement a flexible transport infrastructure that supports future military operations based on network enabled capability (NEC). PCN is based on creating a loose coupling between information domains and the transport infrastructure, and focusing on the provision of high service availability, also in high-threat environments. This architectural approach highlights a number of emerging and novel concepts where research and development is needed to properly support NEC.