Page 101 - Cyber Defense eMagazine August 2023

Aligned with its commitment to environmental sustainability, the DoD has prioritized the adoption of PON
technology in its Digital Modernization Strategy publication to reduce energy consumption, minimize
waste, and promote eco-friendly alternatives. While some may argue that the reductions in energy
consumption and waste from PON installation may not have a significant impact on the environment,
using PON technology in the telecommunications mission is beneficial for the environment and enables
other energy-saving capabilities like smart grid integration and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
(SCADA) systems. By reducing our carbon footprint, PON enhances its sustainability contributions.

Enhanced Efficiency: Network Reliability, Operational Savings, and Less Human Touch

PON technologies offer enhanced efficiency, network reliability, operational savings, and less human
touch, making them the future of networking resilience. These technologies align with the current
administration's green energy goals and require less human intervention by eliminating the need for
active electronic components. As a result, PONs are an ideal fit for military networking, delivering
significant long-term savings.

The capability of PONs to operate without active electronic components means they are less prone to
failure and require less maintenance. This enhanced reliability results in high-speed internet connections
of up to 40km, which is significantly further than traditional copper wire connections. Initiatives such as
the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) aim to
improve broadband infrastructure and access in underserved rural areas in the United States. These
initiatives align with the broader concept of promoting Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment
(BEAD) to bridge the digital divide and create economic growth opportunities in rural communities.

The deep fiber design of PON technology offers four times better Ethernet density from a smaller footprint
and reduced cabling, which continues to attract cable and telecom cooperatives. As a result, PON is an
excellent choice for organizations pursuing sustainability and zero-trust initiatives. Thus, PON is an ideal
fit for organizations seeking sustainable and cost-effective networking solutions.

PON for the Military: Reduced Infrastructure, Unmatched Security

PON is superior to traditional alternatives, particularly in military applications. One of its main advantages
is that it can connect multiple users using a single optical fiber, thereby eliminating the need for copper
cabling and bulky active equipment. This feature makes PON ideal for rapid deployment and mobility,
making it perfect for military operations. In addition, PON offers physical layer security, which allows for
the implementation of various security measures at different levels, ensuring HIPAA-compliant and PCI-
compliant networks, and it has a lifecycle of 10 years or more.

Although some critics claim PONs are vulnerable to cyber-attacks, implementing AES encryption and
regularly updating security measures can substantially reduce the risk. PON operators must stay vigilant
and continuously enhance security to stay ahead of emerging threats. PON technology provides a secure
and low-emission solution by utilizing fiber optic cables to eliminate TEMPEST concerns. It includes

Cyber Defense eMagazine – August 2023 Edition 101
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