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Next generation information network coming to Tyndall

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Brian Timpe
  • 325th Communications Squadron
TYNDALL AFB, Fla. --  The 325th Communications Squadron is supporting Team Tyndall with a next generation network upgrade through the Air Force Combat Information Transport System program this month. 

"This is the first base-wide upgrade of our fiber optic network since the CITS was installed at Tyndall eight years ago," said Chief Master Sgt. Carol Cox, 325th CS plans and implementation flight chief. "It is part of an Air Force plan to reduce cost by upgrading the system in major segments versus a piece-by-piece approach." 

During the next two years, the 325th CS will work closely with headquarters Air Education and Training Command and General Dynamics to ensure fiber optic connections and network equipment in more than 200 facilities are ready to meet the needs of the base's growing information system. In addition, power and cooling systems will be upgraded in rooms where communications equipment is stored if upgrades are needed to support larger network systems. 

The 325th CS will also work closely with personnel from the Air Force Communications Agency at Scott AFB, Ill.; the Electronics Systems Center at Hanscom AFB, Mass. and the 38th Engineering Installation Group at Tinker AFB, Okla. Personnel from these organizations will assist with program management and engineering support for the planning and implementation of the network upgrade project here. 

"Upgrading the base network will significantly improve data communications capabilities for the (325th) Fighter Wing and tenant units, enhancing their abilities to perform training and wartime missions now and well into the future," said John Alexin, 38th EIG systems telecommunications engineering manager assigned to Tyndall. 

This effort is designed to increase bandwidth requirements allowing advancements in weather and intelligence imagery, desktop video teleconferencing and voice transmissions over the network. The base will also benefit from increased network redundancy, leading to greater survivability. An integrated team of contractors, civilians and "blue suites" will begin the project this month by conducting a survey of facilities and fiber optic cable routes. Installation will begin in the summer of 2007 and continue for one year. 

Every effort will be made to minimize impact on the Tyndall community, but personnel may experience a few inconveniences during the upgrade. If you have questions, contact the 325th CS plans flight at 283-3215.