Government agencies are balancing a growing set of priorities as they pursue IT modernization. Upgraded systems improve mission outcomes and operational efficiency, like they always have, and they’re also critical for supporting an increasingly remote workforce and responding to the evolving nature of battlefield threats.
One significant challenge today is the pressing need to incorporate secure wireless connectivity. Legacy wired networks depend on fixed infrastructure—a less-relevant model in an increasingly mobile world.
Wireless technology enables agencies to have more flexibility across a broader range of missions, offering greater efficiency, agility, and resilience. This is especially important for defense and intelligence users.
However, wireless infrastructure also poses various challenges, requiring extra attention to keep data secure and a different mindset in acquisition and program management. Successful navigation is essential for network modernization. Here’s how to start thinking about it.
The Many Benefits of Wireless Technology Integration
Rapidly deployable wireless networks are vital in numerous missions, but their impact is particularly transformative for military and intelligence operations.
For example, wireless technology supports evolving requirements, addressing the need for seamless access and a unified information environment across multiple locations. It’s crucial for temporary, remote, or contingency operations where traditional telecommunications infrastructure doesn’t exist or cannot be deployed.
Wireless provides more than just geographic flexibility. Newer 5G networks provide interoperability between public and private cloud environments where needed. “5G really sets the tone for openness and convergence that I think will be there forever,” said Deepak Das, vice president of Solution Architecture for Federated Wireless, during a FedInsider webinar.
Even missions that are not critical can run more efficiently with wireless. Distributed, remote teams can access systems and data even when they are not in the same building, supporting the continued transition to hybrid workplaces. Wireless and cloud connectivity provide uninterrupted collaboration and decision-making.
Operationally, wireless is a cost-saver, reducing expenses for items like cables and associated hardware. In simplifying the architecture, wireless also helps accelerate deployments and simplifies maintenance.
The Key Wireless Innovations Driving Government Network Modernization
As government agencies work to future-proof their IT modernization investments, program managers and acquisition officers need an up-to-date working understanding of the core technologies.
5G and LTE Advanced networks
The world has heard about 5G from commercial cellphone providers for many years. The technology’s high-speed, low-latency, and secure mission-critical capabilities promise enhanced delivery of government services. Congress mandated the 5G transition in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024.
Wi-Fi 6/6E/7
The generation of Wi-Fi after 5G is Wi-Fi 6, which targets better performance in high-density indoor environments. It reduces latency and allows for greater throughput, with a significant advantage being the ability to support more simultaneous device connections than legacy Wi-Fi. The goal of Wi-Fi 6 is to provide effective connectivity in congested indoor spectrum.
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)
Given the widespread nature of government missions, FWA is a solution for flexible and cost-effective broadband deployment in remote or underserved areas. It enables responders to get network connectivity when they need it most and provides options for temporary deployments. It’s also easy to set up.
Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC)
MEC can provide computing power to remote agencies without relying on connections to central data centers. Proximity is crucial for applications like real-time surveillance and emergency response. With MEC, deployed personnel can query local databases to get the information and data that they need for mission success.
Empowering National Security with Wireless Technology
The transition to wireless introduces additional complexity for military and intelligence operations, particularly given the need to securely transmit mission-critical information. Even so, the benefits are too significant to ignore. Flexible, secure wireless networks provide a real tactical advantage, with software-defined architectures that can adapt to mission-specific requirements like autonomous systems, soldier-wearable devices, and telemedicine.
Recognizing this, the DoD is working toward widespread 5G infrastructure deployment to support advanced applications, such as logistics automation. It’s also investing in early-stage 6G research and pushing innovation in areas like spectrum sharing.
Throughout this transition, maintaining a relentless focus on security is critical to meet the military’s demanding standards for resilience and performance.
Partner with Sumaria Systems for Next-Gen Wireless in Government
The future of IT modernization for government agencies is wireless. Agencies need proven partners with forward-thinking perspectives on technology and systems engineering to make the right choices.
Sumaria Systems can help. Its consultants have extensive experience in enterprise IT, including infrastructure modernization, portfolio management, network engineering and configuration management, and systems and database administration. The company’s focus on IT modernization is on the management, organization, and maintenance of information to ensure compliance, accuracy, and efficiency.
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.
