Juniper Networks is taking on a big role in modernizing the network infrastructure at 44 active-duty U.S. Air Force bases worldwide.
The company announced Tuesday it has been selected as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) on four contracts to modernize the U.S. Air Force network infrastructure. Juniper Networks is partnering with prime contractors Affigent and ThunderCat Technology, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business that delivers technology services and solutions to the Federal government.
Juniper Networks switching technology will be installed on each Air Force base to deliver a restructured and open infrastructure for the Base Information Transport Infrastructure (BITI) program.
Deployment began in 2015 and is expected to be completed in September 2016.
“Juniper’s switching and network management technology will enable streamlined operations and support the core and critical access network layers at each base,” said Bob Fortna, Juniper Networks’ vice president, Federal defense sector.
“This includes scale and high-performance benefits through an open network, as well as having the capability to address the growing demand for additional bandwidth. It will enable greater distribution, scalability, automation, and user access,” he added.
Once completed, these changes will affect 800,000 users worldwide.
Each airman that’s supported by critical communications capabilities will experience higher performance, greater bandwidth that’s driven by voice, data and imagery requirements, and a more automated network with greater user access and connectivity, Fortna said.