NPGs are building blocks in Link 16; what do they govern?

• A. Capabilities and networks; NDD shows which NPGs we are written into.
• B. Physical channel frequencies.
• C. Data encryption keys.
• D. Speaker channels.

Answer: (A)

In Link 16, Network Participation Groups determine what you can access: they define the set of capabilities a platform has and which networks it can join. The Network Data Directory shows which NPGs a platform is written into, so it’s clear what networks and data it is authorized to use. That’s why the correct idea is that NPGs govern capabilities and networks, with the NDD listing the specific NPG assignments for that platform. The other items—physical channel frequencies, encryption keys, and speaker/voice channels—are controlled by different parts of the system (frequency management, security/crypto keys, and voice channel arrangements, respectively) and aren’t defined by NPGs.