Legacy Systems to Agile Networks: Pathway to Govt. Network Modernization

Decades of investment in massive defense and intelligence capabilities and expansive global geopolitical leadership have established the United States as the preeminent global superpower. But while scale intimidates on the battlefield, it creates challenges when adapting to new technology.

The rapid evolution of hardware and software, changes in warfighting concepts, and enemies' commitment to catching up mean the DoD and sister organizations must be in an almost constant upgrade mode. However, a scarcity of resources and bureaucracy can sometimes impede progress.

The risks are enormous: Failure to update outdated legacy systems can keep the DoD from taking full advantage of the most current and promising technologies while making existing systems less effective. For instance, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) included the DoD on its list of the ten networks most in need of urgent upgrades. The GAO noted that in general, “federal agencies have struggled with appropriately planning and budgeting for modernizing legacy systems; upgrading underlying infrastructure; and investing in high quality, lower-cost service delivery technology.”

As a result, network modernization in defense and intelligence has become one of the most pressing challenges facing the DoD. Outdated systems must evolve to emphasize flexible and agile infrastructures to capitalize on the weapons and intelligence that provide the most current, superior technologies. Doing so improves performance, ensures the reliability and edge of US military forces, and maintains security for the long term.

The Military’s Struggle with Legacy Systems

The challenges posed by outdated networking systems are not new. Over the past two decades, defense leaders have focused on network modernization at all levels. A particular interest has been the tactical network, which enables deployed forces to exchange operationally relevant voice, video, and data.

Current infrastructures hinder true modernization and create obstacles that affect efficiency and communications. However, modernization can’t happen overnight, so the DoD must manage various tradeoffs and difficult obstacles, such as security vulnerabilities, operational inefficiencies, and compatibility issues with modern systems.

Specifically, legacy networks present challenges that include crucial issues, such as:

• Increased network latency. Delays of even a few seconds in the delivery of messages to the right people can affect life-and-death moments. The DoD cited network performance as a key tenet of its 2024 5G deployment strategy.
• Limited operational capabilities. Sluggish and outdated networks may make it almost impossible for deployed forces to access real-time tools like live drone surveillance feeds due to bandwidth constraints.
• Traffic congestion. Next-generation networks offer intelligence that enables systems to prioritize the most important messages, emphasizing mission-critical over less urgent communications. Legacy networks have limited capabilities in this regard.
• Cybersecurity constraints. Continued reliance on older wired networks is not sustainable on the modern battlefield. Developing wireless capabilities with proper information security for classified information has proven challenging. New networks, in general, address current cyber threats.
• Interoperability roadblocks. Outdated systems often cannot communicate effectively with newer platforms, hindering joint operations.

The good news is that many efforts are underway to position the defense and intelligence community to take advantage of modernized networks, resulting in benefits that will pay off through greater efficiency and battlefield success.

Benefits of IT Network Modernization

DoD modernization efforts offer benefits that go beyond faster logins. According to the DoD Digital Modernization Strategy covering 2019 to 2023, bringing networks up to date is fundamental for the department to maintain “information superiority” and provide “common foundational technology” across all components. A vital side benefit is that newer networks give the DoD greater access to measurement tools to judge performance and guide future investment.

This “common foundational technology” supports four significant areas for improvement in how the military operates:

1. Innovating for competitive advantage. With a focus on cloud and cognitive computing, the new networks will enable the joint force to maintain technological superiority by focusing on the most pressing problems facing the DoD. One threshold achievement over the last few years has been the establishment of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center as a way of coordinating opportunities for the use of AI. Next-generation IT network modernization is crucial to take maximum advantage of AI across the DoD enterprise.
2. Optimizing for efficiency. Modernized networks inherently mean changing how the DoD evaluates and implements new technologies, primarily by adopting an “enterprise-wide” approach and moving away from “component-centric” acquisition. According to the strategy, one reality of this change in mindset is the ability to improve purchasing processes, strengthen existing partnerships, and develop new ones. Modernization “eliminates unnecessary systems and allows the Department to focus finite resources across fewer areas.”
3. Creating greater agility and efficiency in cybersecurity. More efficient IT networking means fewer areas for enemies to attack. A crucial element of IT modernization is adopting a “zero trust” approach to cybersecurity—in essence, building cyber defenses as a core component of modernized networks to ensure interoperability. The DoD strategy enables the department to shift into a “cyber first, cyber always” mindset.
4. Cultivating new digital talent. A not necessarily obvious benefit of a reformed IT system is the ability to upgrade support talent and expertise to meet goals determined by the realities of a new era. Modernization prioritizes skills required for “national infrastructure protection” with a focus on recruiting for digital readiness.

In an organization as large as the DoD, network modernization is not a single, discrete project. Instead, it requires many different programs that are combined under a single vision. Many of the ones aimed at implementing agile networks at scale are well underway. Here are a few examples:

• Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) represents the all-encompassing vision of bringing networking capabilities together to shape the entire operational enterprise. As the program puts it, this isn’t a single “network"; instead, JADC2 “transcends any single capability, platform, or system” and provides the foundation for technological advancement to shape how the DoD conducts its operations.
• Advanced Battle Management System is an Air Force program under JADC2 that aims to replace siloed networks with cloud-based solutions for command, control, and communications. The goal is to provide personnel with improved capabilities to exchange critical strategic and tactical information to make faster and better decisions by connecting sensors and deployed personnel across various domains.
• Sailor Edge Afloat and Ashore entails the Navy’s efforts to have a cloud-based system that leverages satellites and other equipment to put deployed personnel on an accessible and available network platform. The goal is to streamline communication, mission planning, and training for the Navy worldwide.

These initiatives highlight the breadth and depth of the DoD’s efforts to upgrade its networks with better security, performance and flexibility—and showcase the importance of working with vendors that understand the complexity.

Partnering with Sumaria for Network Modernization

Embracing big-picture network upgrades is vital for the DoD or any government agency to keep pace with evolving technology. Sumaria offers decades of experience in guiding organizations through these transformations with real-world experience in system architecture, hardware and software, and interoperability. Partner with the team to develop agile, next-gen networks that move your agencies forward.

Future-ready networks. Mission-ready operations. Modernizing your base network infrastructure is critical for increasing mission readiness, scalability, and security. Sumaria Systems provides the expertise and innovative solutions to integrate, protect, and optimize your network for peak performance. Discover how Sumaria can help you build a resilient, future-ready infrastructure.