text: Signal Support by Army Echelon, Core Competencies, Training, and the Army Network
  2-178. Network transport and information services connect users, automated information systems, and
  applications throughout the Army enterprise. Network transport connects networking hardware and carries
  data over distance to integrate local area networks and wide-area networks into the DODIN-A. Information
  services provide computing and networking capabilities to facilitate human interaction, staff integration, and
  interoperability with mission partners. When combined, network transport and information services enable
  the flow of data and information among applications, systems, and users.
  2-179. The network connects geographically separated forces for network-enabled operations. By
  integrating information from across the operational area, Army forces can maintain more complete, relevant
  situational understanding. The integrated common operational picture allows commanders to employ the
  right capabilities, in the right place, at the right time to meet critical information requirements.
  NETWORK TRANSPORT
  2-180. Network transport moves data between networking facilities. Globally prepositioned network
  transport capabilities extend access to DISN services worldwide to support Army operations.
  2-181. The long-haul transport is the fixed backbone network provided by the Defense Information Systems
  Agency as part of the DISN interface. The fixed backbone network provides communications infrastructure
  for permanent installations and DOD Gateways as prepositioned connection points to connect deployed units
  to the DODIN. Network transport includes all data transmission capabilities that extend DISN access across
  the strategic, operational, and tactical levels. Key network transport capabilities are—
  * Satellite communications.
  * Line of sight and troposcatter systems.
  * Tactical radios and radio retransmission.
  * Copper wire and cable.
  * Fiber optics.
  2-182. Network transport connects elements across all echelons, so the DODIN-A can operate as an
  integrated network. The network transport resources to connect the clients can belong to U.S. or non-U.S.
  forces, host nations, or commercial entities. Adequate network transport throughput capacity is critical to
  reliable cloud services, reachback, and the shift from locally-provided to enterprise services. Refer to ATP
  6-02.54 for more information about satellite communications transport. Refer to ATP 6-02.53 for more
  information about tactical radios and radio retransmission.
  INFORMATION SERVICES
  2-183. Information services allow access, storage, and sharing of information among mission partners, as
  well as dynamically tailoring and prioritizing information to support the mission and affect the operational
  environment. Information services allow commanders and Soldiers to collect, process, store, transmit,
  display, and disseminate information. Information services consist of—
  * Messaging services enable warfighters to exchange information among users. Messaging services
  include e-mail, Organizational Messaging Service, instant messaging, and alerts.
  * Discovery services enable warfighters to discover information content or services stored in
  directories, registries, and catalogs. An example of a discovery service is a search engine.
  * Mediation services enable system interoperability by processing data to translate, aggregate, fuse,
  or integrate it with other data.
  * Collaboration services provide the ability for warfighters to work together and share capabilities.
  Examples of collaboration services are chat, online meetings, and workgroup applications.
  * Storage services provide physical and virtual data hosting. Storage services include archiving,
  continuity of operations, and content staging. Standard operating procedures or operation orders
  should define information storage locations.
  * User assistance services provide centralized service desk assistance and automated access to
  lessons and best practices, which may improve processes or reduce the effort required to perform
  tasks.