Otis Selected as base network modernization pilot site Published Sept. 13, 2013 By Tech. Sgt. Kerri Cole 102nd Intelligence Wing Public Affairs OTIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mass. -- Base Area Network (BAN) modernizations are coming to all Air National Guard units in the upcoming years, but here at Otis we will be among the first to see the upgrades implemented. The Base LAN Modernization project is an ANG-wide initiative that will improve performance and reliability of a base's network infrastructure. It is a follow-on project to a wiring upgrade in 2011. It will bring our network up to ANG-Enterprise standards to meet the needs of the mission and support roles here at the 102d Intelligence Wing. Additionally, it provides for future enhancements in performance as mission needs change over time. In March 2013, a team of network solution specialists came to the base to do a site survey to make sure Otis would be a good fit for testing and implementing a new BAN modernization concept and was selected as a good candidate by the end of their visit. "The 102nd has demonstrated an overall readiness to receive the base LAN network model. The site is in great shape and is an ideal candidate to serve as the exemplary basis for the Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation," said Makeena Moss, Convergent Solutions, Inc. program manager. The selection for the BAN modernization project encompassed a variety of elements that represent the Air National Guard site dynamics in order to ensure the highest level of success in implementing an integrated infrastructure. The 102nd Intelligence Wing was selected based on size; it's the largest geographical site in the ANG. Two other sites were also chosen: the 166th Air Refueling Wing, Del., based on its aged infrastructure, and the 152nd Airlift Wing, Nev., based on its Brocade ™ infrastructure. "We are very happy that we were selected as the large scale base for this effort. We are definitely going to benefit from having this new equipment but we know more importantly for Avaya, as the forerunner for this new approach, will benefit the entire Air National Guard," said Lt. Col. Christopher Hurley, 102nd Mission Support Group commander. What are the benefits of the Base LAN MOD? "A Base LAN modernization will provide a standard network design and architecture for all ANG bases in an effort to standardize equipment models, baseline configurations across the enterprise, create a modular architecture, and provision resources for future projects. It meets all Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Information Security Agency (DISA), Joint Interoperability Testing Command (JITC), and Air Force requirements for interoperability, security, and performance," according to Master Sgt. James Moynihan, 102nd Communications Flight superintendent. The Base LAN Mod team arrived in early September and consists of approximately 15 contract-personnel. Joining the team are members of the 102d Communications Flight and base communicators, who will provide support and gain valuable training and experience. Throughout the month of September the team will begin the physical install and configuration of ITNs, switches, and other network infrastructure hardware. Continuation of work in individual building communications closets will continue and configuration of servers and network printers will commence. This is critical so that these devices can work optimally on our new network infrastructure. During this phase, network outages will be frequent and lengthy so please be patient and plan ahead! Successful integration of the selected pilot sites demonstrates the value enhancement of the BAN Modernization project across ANG and technical proof of concept.