U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Test TimeStep
The U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps are conducting lab testing of the TimeStep secure virtual private network (VPN) solution from Newbridge Networks. In addition, the Marine Corps has selected and is procuring the TimeStep solution for its standard enterprise VPN network of over 120,000 users. The solution is being deployed at major U.S. Marine Corps bases throughout the world.
"Based on a detailed lab evaluation and successful beta deployment at six bases, the Marine Corps has selected and procured the TimeStep solution from Newbridge Networks for its standard enterprise VPN for both garrison and deployed tactical networks," says Captain Carl Wright, U.S. Marine Corps. "This technology will play an integral role in securing SBU communications in combat situations."
The U.S. Navy has evaluated several VPN products within its test lab at the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) Systems Center in San Diego, including the TimeStep solution from Newbridge Networks. A key factor in the testing was the evaluation of the capability to incorporate the Defense Department's Public Key Infrastructure (DOD PKI) - a critical element in authenticating DOD users - into the TimeStep VPN solution. This means that DOD Intranet users from all branches of the military, including the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Army, can be authenticated using digital certificates.
"There is significant progress being made here on the path toward incorporating DOD PKI capabilities into its products," said Captain Dan Galik, U.S. Navy. "The U.S. Defense Departments require strict adherence to industry standards, such as FIPS 140-1, and IPSec, hence our support for these types of solutions."
The Navy has developed a security solution that uses secure VPNs in an architecture that provides a VPN gateway alongside the firewall. Together, the TimeStep solution from Newbridge Networks, with the DOD PKI, enables applications that include secure remote access and tele-maintenance. This allows the Navy's ships at sea to securely reach technical experts at major shore commands and provide specialized assistance.
Newbridge Networks designs, manufactures, markets and services wide area networking solutions for Internet service providers; local, long-distance, and wireless communications companies; cable television carriers; and corporate customers in more than 100 countries.
For more information, visit www.timestep.com or www.newbridge.com.