Networked Communications News

U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) has accepted the first Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite for initial operational use. MUOS is a next-generation narrowband tactical communications system designed to improve communications for U.S. forces on the move. The Naval Satellite Operations Center (NAVSOC) at Point Mugu, Calif., began "flying" the satellite in June. In addition to providing continuous communication for all branches of the U.S. military, Navy delivered space…

The USCG is deploying Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) based on 3Com's wide area network (WAN) systems. Using VPN connections, the agency will be able to quickly transmit mission-critical and administrative information from its land-based facilities to ships at any port where USCG vessels dock. Deployed in June on cutter Dependable, the 3Com VPN solutions will soon be extended to all of the USCG's 250+ ships. The $1.1 million investment in VPNs is based on 3Com's SuperStack II NetBuilder SI routers and follows the implementation of the Standard Workstation III Local Area Network (LAN) Cabling Project in 1998, when the agency rolled out 3Com Fast Ethernet networks to its entire fleet and many land-based facilities.