A system of a machine includes a network of a plurality of sensing/control/identification devices distributed throughout the machine. Each of the sensing/control/identification devices is associated with at least one sub-system component of the machine and operable to communicate through a plurality of electromagnetic signals. Shielding surrounding at least one of the sensing/control/identification devices to contain the electromagnetic signals proximate to the at least one sub-system component. A communication path is integrally formed in/on a component of the machine to route a portion of the electromagnetic signals through the component. A remote processing unit is operable to communicate with the network of the sensing/control/identification devices through the electromagnetic signals.