The Cyber Defense eMagazine August Edition for 2023

Given these challenges, passive optical networks (PON) technology has emerged as a game-changing
opportunity for the DoD to take a lead role in establishing more sustainable networking and achieve its
green energy goals. Prioritizing the adoption of PON can lead to the creation of a secure, efficient, and
environmentally resilient communications infrastructure. This paper emphasizes the numerous benefits
of PON, including cost-effectiveness, improved network infrastructure and services, and support for
various applications. By leveraging successful use cases and best practices from both civilian and military
sectors, the DoD can maximize outcomes and position itself as a pioneer in sustainable networking.
PON technology, widely utilized by major telecommunications service providers such as Verizon and
AT&T, is transforming how data is transmitted over optical fiber networks. While commercial entities have
already embraced this technology, the DoD currently lags in leveraging cutting-edge network
technologies. Adopting PON can provide significant advantages, as it offers enhanced security, reliability,
and cost-effectiveness. It can reduce capital costs by up to 30-50% and operational costs by 50-70%,
while also improving network infrastructure, services, trustworthiness, and speed. PON supports various
applications like voice, video, wireless access, security, surveillance, building environmental controls,
and automation using Power over Ethernet.
PON technology uses a Layer-2 transport medium to deliver converged audiovisual and data services at
gigabit speeds over a single strand of fiber to the user's location. Unlike traditional copper-based LAN,
transitioning to a PON infrastructure does not require reconfiguration of clients or PCs.
To gain a competitive edge, the DoD should aspire to integrate state-of-the-art commercial network
technologies into its networks at the speed of relevance. This requires aligning telecommunications
technology goals with environmental sustainability and proficient management of the application portfolio.
By adopting PON technology, which is already employed by various industries such as by finance,
hospitals, manufacturing, airports, solar farms, hotels, stadiums, schools, and utilities, the DoD can
achieve this edge.
By embracing innovative solutions, the DoD can establish a secure and efficient communications
infrastructure that is technologically and environmentally sustainable and resilient, positioning itself as a
pioneer in the field. This would not only benefit the DoD but also showcase the substantial impact of PON
technology in telecommunications. Leveraging successful use cases and best practices from both civilian
and military sectors, the DoD can maximize cost-effectiveness and results, driving transformative
changes that benefit both sectors.
Embracing PON: Technology for Environmentally Sustainable Military Networking
The DoD seeks to enhance operational efficiency and maintain global dominance in national security,
but utilizing sustainable and energy-efficient solutions in the military is also important, so much so that
the DoD has spent over $100 million since 2010 on what are known as Energy Resilience and
Conservation Investment Program (ERCIP) fund projects.
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