Federation

Federation supports intentional data movement between SDL nodes for arbitrary data sets — streaming topics, files, and other data. Operators configure which data flows between which nodes.

Federation topology mirrors operational command structures. Data flows can be configured to match hierarchical echelon architectures (e.g., Platoon → Company → Battalion), with bidirectional or unidirectional edges depending on the use case.

Federation respects classification boundaries. Data marked at a specific classification level can only federate to nodes authorized at that level or above, enforced by the policy engine.