Enhancing the Deployment and Security of SIPRNET and JWICS Networks using Intrinsic Fiber Monitoring

With the increased requirements for SIPRNET and JWICS access, secure network connectivity has become increasingly pervasive throughout the Department of Defense. The increased deployment of secure networks has resulted in an evolution of secure network architectures and the Information Assurance methods and tools used to protect them. Specifically, new technological advances in the ability to monitor and protect fiber optic cables and connections possess huge potential for cost savings and enhanced protection of critical networks and C4ISR facilities. With the accelerated development and deployment of C4ISR applications on the Global Information Grid, warfighters are developing a strategic dependence upon the availability and integrity of secure networks. While encryption has been used for decades to protect the confidentiality and non-repudiation of national security information (NSI), encryption alone provides no coverage or protection against threats to network availability and integrity. Through recent developments in intrinsic fiber monitoring technology, critical connections can now be proactively monitored to detect any threats or physical attacks on the network WITHOUT degrading network performance or restricting network bandwidth. Using the principles of the Defense in Depth strategy, intrinsic fiber monitoring provides a very agile and scalable protection methodology that can be used by itself or in combination with cryptographic equipment to provide the required protection of classified networks and the ability to withstand the ever-increasing threats to the networks.