Integration of wireless technology in the Defense Information System Network (DISN)

As the Department of Defense (DoD) lead agency for wireless systems/services, the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) has been involved in multiple wireless activities, with concentration in the areas of medical, mobile workplace, and warfighter applications. The DISA's wireless activities include analysis of various commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) wireless services and products, assessment of their applicability to the DoD, and demonstrations and trials to potential DoD customers. A brief description of COTS wireless services/products that were evaluated is provided. The DISA's wireless trials such as wireless voice communications in a military hospital, and wireless electronic mail (e-mail) and paging trials in support of the mobile workplace are discussed. A description of current and planned trials, which focus on the needs of the warfighter and include adding encryption to the wireless e-mail trial and extending this capability to the tactical community using high frequency (HF) or satellite communication, is also provided. Finally, possible approaches for the integration of COTS wireless services/products in the Defense Information System Network (DISN) are discussed.