Network Centric Operations
Network-centric operations is an environment where collaboration between platforms, systems, and devices, such as satellites, aircraft, or PDAs, is possible. For an element to become a network-centric node on a network, it needs to use a common information and communication architecture.
Once an element becomes a node, it has the ability to function and collaborate with other nodes both inside and outside its resident domain. As more nodes are introduced into the environment, the network becomes more robust, much like the growth and expansion of the Internet. And like the Internet, network centric nodes depend on each other to provide multiple streams of connectivity for the movement of information from point to point.
One of the several benefits to a network-centric environment is the increase in situational awareness whether we are operating under battle conditions, protecting our homeland, or managing an enterprise. The interoperability between networks and nodes allows decision makers to make better, more informed decisions quicker and more accurately.