Communications Squadron installing official use wireless network

  • Published
  • By Darcy Painter
  • 95th Communications Squadron
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  A key tool in the war for information superiority is currently being installed across the base - a 2nd Generation Wireless Local Area Network.

This new technology is a weapon system and should be treated as such, according to Pete Reichert, 95th Communication Squadron acting director.

"The 2GWLAN currently being installed at Edwards in select buildings and on the flightline is a weapon system like the F-22, B-2 and Global Hawk," Mr. Reichert said.

"While our 2GWLAN can't fly combat missions, when it is certified for operational use as part of our network, it will be used in the war for information superiority as an extension of the NIPRNet."

The new network is not always visible. It features little white boxes with blinking green lights that have been installed as high as possible next to, or even above, the ceilings in some facilities. These boxes are known as access points, and once they are turned on, will be available to computer users who've been authorized to conduct government business via wireless access.

There will be an approval and validation process for Team Edwards members who have a valid mission and need to use this new wireless capability, which will be for official use only. This approval process will include a signed letter from their unit commander.

The new network will aid many people across the base, like aircraft mechanics, who will be able to have a computer planeside out on the flightline instead of having to leave the aircraft, go inside and log onto a computer in a building to update their tasks, the aircraft's repair status or check technical data.

"We expect this will improve aircraft availability and enhance the currency of technical data being used daily by mechanics," said Mike Bourcier, technical advisor for the 412th Maintenance Group.

"As the Air Force moves toward a paperless technical order system, maintainers will appreciate the ease of updating aircraft and component status as work is completed, while also seeing technical data hosted on their laptops refreshed throughout the day without the extra steps [into the buildings]," he said.

As part of a risk mitigation strategy, the 95th CS is taking a deliberate approach to access on the new wireless network. Edwards will be cautious and conservative with respect to allowing users access to this new capability, Mr. Reichert said.

"Just like any new powerful and pervasive technology we have to follow the KISS principle - keep it safe and smart," said Mr. Reichert.

"We want the 2GWLAN's debut at Edwards to be all about effectiveness and efficiency," said Mr. Reichert. "While at first it will be a novelty, in time it will become another leading edge technology that the 95th CS will use to harness the power of information through adaptive, innovative, customer-focused solutions for war winning capabilities."

The Edwards 2GWLAN is being fine-tuned to ensure it does not interfere or degrade the frequency spectrum, which is critical to flight test.

Edwards' frequency spectrum is guarded, protected and carefully managed by the Frequency Managers in 95th CS Spectrum Management office Personal routers, wireless printers, wireless laptops, commercial wireless phones or other personal devices are not authorized for use on the new network.