Page 102 - Cyber Defense eMagazine August 2023

extensive security measures, such as Access Control Lists, Broadcast Datagram Rate Limiting, and
strong authentication across the physical, data, and user port layers to prevent malicious activities.

PON technology is a versatile communication platform that supports video, voice, and data transmission
from a single network. It is also designed to be resistant to electromagnetic interference, a critical
advantage in military environments. By adopting PON technology, the Department of Defense can
optimize its limited resources and protect critical information from potential adversaries. Therefore, PON
technology represents an excellent opportunity for the military to enhance its communication capabilities
while also safeguarding its networks.

A Call to Action: Prioritizing PON Adoption

To assume a leadership position in the field of sustainable networking and fulfill its green energy goals,
the DoD must continue its focus on prioritizing the adoption of PON technology. It presents an affordable
option for increasing equipment lifespan, and it enables the prioritization of future military construction
projects through periodization.

To ensure successful implementation, it is necessary to conduct a thorough assessment of PON
technology’s long-term expenses, scalability, maintenance costs, and compatibility with current systems.
Additionally, optimizing the benefits of this technology requires a well-managed application portfolio that
utilizes the Six Step Process for Application Rationalization.

Service providers have already widely adopted PON technology, making their local area networks more
secure, reliable, and cost-effective. It can save up to 30-50% in capital costs and 50-70% in operational
costs while improving network infrastructure, services, reliability, and speed. It also supports various
applications like voice, video, wireless access, security, surveillance, building environmental controls,
and automation using Power over Ethernet.

By adopting PON technology, the DoD can align its telecommunications technology and environmental
sustainability goals and gain a competitive edge. It can position itself as a pioneer in establishing a secure
and efficient communications infrastructure that is technologically and environmentally sustainable and
resilient. The DoD can also draw upon successful use cases and best business practices in the civilian
and military arenas to maximize cost-effectiveness and results, potentially benefiting both sectors.

Having served as an Army communications battalion commander who has seen the technology's
effectiveness in an operational environment, I strongly recommend that the DoD prioritize the adoption
of PON. Its passive architecture simplifies infrastructure and lowers maintenance costs, while its inherent
security benefits will protect sensitive military data. This move will not only enhance operational efficiency
but also contribute to climate resilience.

The DoD has a unique opportunity to revolutionize our understanding of sustainable networking by
adopting PON technology, so it is crucial to urge the DoD to do so. Once implemented, the use of PON
will enable each service component to create a brighter, more sustainable future and lay the groundwork
for 2035 and beyond.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – August 2023 Edition 102
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