Interesting to see the datalink/network issue back again, Kbrok. I wouldhope that connecting new and legacy networks isn't thebiggest technological challenge in the world. Not having everyone on the samenet (or even stacked nets) clearly loses some of the benefits and functionalityof networking and will probably introduce some data latency. But, given this isa 'temporary' workaround to bridge the generation gap whilst F-15, F-16, A-10,etc are flown on until F-35 arrives in force, it's probably the most practicaland affordable solution.
The real downside to my mind is that the 'gateway' is a single node withplenty of emissions and, therefore, a single point of weakness making it agreat target. Normal networks don't have that vulnerable, single link.