Secure Wireless Distribution System

BAE Systems IT, in collaboration with SPAWAR Systems Center Charleston responded to an urgent requirement from the Commander of U.S. Navy Installations Command (CNIC) to design and deploy a state-of-the-art wireless system that would replace the outdated wired infrastructure used by the Navy for pierside communications between ported ships and the shoreside network. The existing wired infrastructure had proven to be unreliable and in a constant state of repair consuming an extraordinary portion of CNIC's ever decreasing O&M budget. Further, the T-1 bandwidth, when available, was insufficient to meet the current needs of the Navy.

The Wireless Pierside Connection System (WPCS) is the solution. WPCS utilizes IEEE 802.11a technology to deliver secure, reliable, high bandwidth, wireless connectivity. The WPCS shipboard components include a small (40lb) shipboard suitcase containing the necessary networking and communications equipment, and a wireless radio/antenna unit. The shoreside components include radio/antenna units, a Wireless Intrusion Detection and Prevention system, network management system and the shoreside Navy network interfaces.

Key features of the WPCS include:

• Wireless transmission of data and voice with acceptable levels of security as verified by NIOC and NSA
• Type Accreditation by the DSAWG in conjunction with NNWC
• High bandwidth to support the Navy's application mix
• Seamless roaming for ships within the port and near the port
• A high level of reliability for pierside and near pier communications
• HERP and HERO compliance providing acceptable levels of safety
• Significant cost savings through elimination of the repair costs associated with the umbilicals and pier risers, and elimination of the "Move, Add, Change" costs associated with re-berthing of ships