NSA, Harris seal secure wireless deal

• By Doug Beizer
• Mar 28, 2006

The National Security Agency has awarded a contract to Harris Corp. to build wireless networks with top-secret security for federal agencies and other approved customers.

The five-year, $41.6 million contract was awarded to Harris for its new SecNet 54 Secure Wireless Local Area Network product. SecNet 54 can be used in secure communications applications up to Top Secret/SCI Level Data. It can operate with an Inline Network Encryptor using a pre-placed symmetric key.

The new product is designed for Defense Department, federal and international customers, and is an enabling technology for several programs such as the Army's Warfighter Information Network-Tactical, Command Post Platform and Joint Network Node programs.

SecNet 54, in its 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g configurations, is a SWLAN (Type 1 encryption) solution for data, video and voice over IP requirements. It features operating line-of-sight ranges of up to 100 meters indoors and up to 600 meters outdoors.

NSA's crypto-modernization initiative seeks to upgrade the security infrastructure of the agency's communications architectures to meet present and future security needs.

Doug Beizer is a staff writer for Government Computer News' sister publication, Washington Technology.