Top Upcoming 5G Events for Government to Attend

Secure Public Sector networks with 5G wireless technology delivers high-speed wireless connectivity, faster data rates and lower latency for systems and communities across the nation. This next-generation mobile network enables the expansion of virtual reality (VR) and the Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. While many successful use cases have recently emerged showcasing the power of 5G in Government, Carahsoft partners are supporting agencies by providing powerful cellular networks and maintaining reliable mobile connections to achieve mission success without compromising security within workflows. 

Explore more ways to leverage Carahsoft and our partners through our various upcoming Government events. Learn about acceleration of real-time delivery from devices, increased adoption of AI and multiaccess edge computing technologies (MEC) and other innovations from leading 5G technology service providers. 

5G Summit 

August 22 | Reston, VA 

5G networks have become more common over the past few years. One study found that 5G’s worldwide share of mobile data traffic in 2021 was about 10% – but expected to grow to 60% by 2027. Government agencies are more selective when it comes to adopting 5G for their networks, partially due to higher costs associated with deploying such networks as well as unique requirements very large organizations such as the Department of Defense pose. Join thought leaders from Government and industry as they outline developments in 5G network rollouts at agencies and the ways 5G can be harnessed to open new opportunities to meet agencies’ various missions. 

Sessions to look out for: 

  • 5G is at the Heart of CJADC2 
  • 5G’s Role in Modernization 
  • The Future of 5G Technology in Government 

Carahsoft is hosting this year’s 5G Summit alongside FedInsider, Cradlepoint, Nokia, Intel, T-Mobile, and Dell Technologies providing the latest management news from inside the Government. 

T-Mobile Tech Experience: 5G Hub 

August 27 | Bellevue, WA 

Carahsoft Top 5G Events Blog Embedded Image 2024

Inaugurated in 2016, the Tech Experience has set out to create innovative and engaging experiences to inspire the industry to turn concepts into tangible, transformative solutions. The T-Mobile 5G Hub offers opportunities to meet with engineers, immerse in technology demonstrations and gain other valuable resources. At the event, hear directly from project partners about the successful projects crafted within the 5G Hub, explore video testimonials showcasing T-Mobile’s facilities, technology, expertise and partnerships, and get ready to participate in ample networking sessions. 

Carahsoft partners AWS, Dell Technologies, Nokia, Ericsson, Microsoft, Google Cloud and Qualcomm will be featured at the 2024 T-Mobile Tech Experience. 

ATARC Federal Mobility Summit 

September 19 | Reston, VA 

ATARC, the Advanced Technology Academic Research Center, and Carahsoft invite attendees to a day full of networking, innovation and collaboration within the world of federal mobility. At the Federal Mobility Summit, industry experts and leaders in Government will explore the latest trends and updates in mobile technology such as security, Zero Trust, acquisition, best practices and emerging solutions. Connect with peers and gain valuable insights into the future of mobility in the federal sector.  

Sessions to look out for: 

  • Securing Mobile Technologies: Identity, Zero Trust, and Threats 
  • Navigating Mobile Acquisitions: Strategies and Best Practices 
  • Next-Generation Networks: 5G, 6G, and Their Impact 
  • Mission Enablement: Tools and Technologies for Success 

Carahsoft is proud to host the Federal Mobility Summit at our office in Reston, Virginia and holds an ATARC membership, immersing further into the Federal IT community. 

Open RAN GLOBAL FORUM 

September 24 | Virtual 

Open RAN, or Open Radio Access Network, is an evolving shift of industry standards and mobile architecture so that service providers can use equipment from multiple vendors while ensuring interoperability. The Open RAN Global Forum brings industry experts and Government together to delve into the latest updates for Open RAN including the role Open RAN will play in 6G, focusing on energy-efficient, AI-driven and customizable technology. Featuring interviews, live discussions and demos, attendees will learn more about adoption challenges and progress surrounding tier-one telecom operators’ roadmaps. Other key themes featured at this year’s event include examining the growth of AI and automation in RIC, exploring Open RAN economics and capitalization opportunities, testing and reducing energy consumption and more. 

Carahsoft partners and mobile carries Verizon and T-Mobile will be featured at Open RAN GLOBAL FORUM. 

Mobile World Congress 

October 8-10 | Las Vegas, Nevada 

Prepare for the new era of hyperconnected business and smart cities or procure technology that can be deployed right now to make legacy systems and existing processes faster, easier and more resilient with industrial-grade 5G. At Mobile World Congress, explore technology themes like enterprise transformation, AI networks and 5G EdgeCloud with 5G leaders, architects and systems integrators, as well as CIOs from successful 5G enterprises, and discover how this technology can solve today’s biggest industry challenges.  

Carahsoft partners Verizon, Qualcomm and Microsoft will be featured at this year’s MWC. 

5G Round Table Webinar Series 

October 3 & November 14 | Virtual 

This fall, join us for two 5G Round Table sessions featuring real-world insights from Intel and T-Mobile. Hear from thought leaders from Government and industry outlining developments in 5G network rollouts at agencies and the ways 5G can be harnessed to open new opportunities to meet agencies’ unique missions. 

Carahsoft will be hosting this event alongside FedInsider. CPE credits will be provided for qualified participants. 

AutoCon 2 

November 18-22 | Denver, CO 

Full adoption of network automation is a continuous challenge for the mobility community that innovators at AUTOCON 2 hope to discover a solution for. The first, single, in-person event was a foundational moment for collaborators to advance the state of automated network operations. Now, the founders of the event are working to grow AutoCon into a recurring series of practitioner-focused events. This fall’s event will feature informational conference sessions, workshops and networking opportunities. 

Carahsoft partners Nokia and Arista will be featured at AUTOCON 2. 

Carahsoft’s 5G Podcast Series 

Multiple Events | Virtual 

Carahsoft’s podcast series dives into the world of 5G technology solutions, featuring expert insights from industry leaders. Explore sessions on the strategic advantages and key technologies for 5G, relevant applications of 5G for Federal, State and Local Governments and specific agency use cases such as the transformative success stories, learning curves and future objectives of 5G for the Department of Defense. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to impact the power and possibilities of 5G technology.  

To learn more or get involved in any of the above events please contact us at 5G@carahsoft.com. For more information on Carahsoft and our industry leading Cybersecurity technology partners’ events, visit our 5G Solutions Portfolio and 5G Events page.  

5G: Powering the Government’s Digital Transformation

5G technology has the capacity to speed data transfers and connect billions of devices at a time when mission success hinges on fast, secure access to data and people. 5G’s potential to enhance all government activities makes it an indispensable component of efforts to modernize IT systems and service delivery. Because of its low latency and capacity to carry vast amounts of data quickly and efficiently, 5G enables real-time access to information. As a result, it is facilitating the growth of smart cities, the use of artificial intelligence to improve government operations and the adoption of edge computing. The implications are profound for activities as varied as battlefield communications, military logistics and preparedness, and emergency response in situations where critical infrastructure is unavailable. Learn how government agencies can leverage all the resources in play to achieve the goal of open, interoperable and secure 5G networks Carahsoft’s Innovation in Government® report.

 

The Unifying Nature of 5G Technology 

“5G technology is the first telecommunications standard that is cloud-native, making it critical for the government’s digital transformation. We now have a transport medium that aligns with and supports the flexibility, scalability and efficiency of cloud operating models and containerized functions and services. In addition, all aspects of a digital transformation strategy — including edge computing, artificial intelligence, cloud migration and application rationalization — center on data. With everything level-set architecturally to be cloud-native and containerized, 5G networks enable a common approach to managing data, and they also bring in a new capability for data sovereignty.”

Read more insights from Chris D. Thomas, technical strategist at Dell Technologies. 

 

Why 5G Is Indispensable for Frontline Agencies 

Carahsoft IIG FCW 5G Digital Transformation Blog Embedded Image 2023“Private 5G networks have distinct benefits for government, which is why DOD has stated that it is a strategic direction for the department. At Federated Wireless, we custom-build networks for high performance, scale and unlimited capacity using best-of-breed technology from a large ecosystem of suppliers. Private wireless networks provide strong security and control over where the data resides. Unlike a traditional cellular carrier that sends data through an off-site central core, private 5G networks are secure enclaves that are governed by zero trust architectures.”

Read more insights from Paul Battaglia, vice president of public sector at Federated Wireless. 

 

The Key to Creating More Flexible 5G Networks 

“JMA Wireless embarked on a project a couple of years ago to help bring 5G to the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, GA. We were part of a team that deployed a 5G network and added applications to enable officials to modernize warehousing and logistics at the base. As a result of those improvements, the base has reduced labor costs by 61%. Additionally, it used to take three to five days for items to move from the dock to the shelf. That timeline has been slashed to about 36 minutes as the combination of the 5G network and updated application environment drives major efficiencies in logistics operations.”

Read more insights from Rishi Bhaskar, senior vice president and general manager at JMA Wireless.

 

Sharing Critical Information in Real Time 

“The deployment of 5G for government agencies requires a security approach that is independent from the underlying transport network. For our public safety and defense customers, we offer a security architecture based on Blackned’s TacticalCORE, which provides an over-the-top multidomain security layer, enabling authentication in contested environments and separate classified information spaces across the same infrastructure. All transport is considered untrusted with the ability to implement agency-specific encryption on the 5G network. This state-of-the-art security approach has already been accredited by the German BSI as NATO-restricted and enhanced security classifications are planned.” 

Read more insights from Richie Obermayer, VP of technical sales at GuardSTACK Technologies. 

 

How Agencies Can Reap the Benefits of 5G

“5G’s reliability and availability make it possible to build dedicated wireless networks that can be sliced so mission-critical applications run in separate areas while the government maintains full control over that network. Last but certainly not least, 5G networks have carrier-grade, built-in security standards, including SIM cards that are provisioned and activated for a specific network. Users cannot connect to the network without inserting a highly secure SIM into their devices.” 

Read more insights from Derrick Frost, senior vice president of operations and general manager of private wireless at Kajeet. 

 

Private Networks and the Evolving 5G Ecosystem

“Private networks are well-suited to agency use cases for a number of reasons. First and foremost is security, which is the bedrock of every cellular network. Beyond the built-in security private 5G networks bring, they also have the capacity to add extra layers of security. The other components of a robust network include radio frequency technology and the latest 5G devices and radios. Once that foundation is in place, agencies can explore the wide range of use cases that a private 5G network can address. Deployments include standalone networks for first responders, border patrol agents and tactical response units, as well as secure, reliable networks for telemedicine providers.”

Read more insights from Derek Gallagher, CTO at Druid Software. 

 

Download the full Innovation in Government® report for more insights from 5G thought leaders and additional industry research from FCW. 

Revolutionizing Communication with 5G

As technology progresses, communication is revolutionized worldwide. To maintain pace with cybersecurity and technology standards, the United States Government can utilize the transformative features of 5G, the fifth-generation global wireless technology standard for cellular networks.

Transforming Network Standards with O-RAN

With the development of Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN,) a feature that allows interoperability between cellular network equipment providers, the development and integration of 5G has greatly expanded. The role of O-RAN has important applications in the Department of Defense (DoD), whose goal is to promote national and economic security. By integrating 5G networks into the defense sector, different departments can quickly communicate with each other. With the usage of O-RAN and 5G combined, agencies have a much larger, diverse ecosystem of vendors to choose from.

As with any new feature, there are costs to the implementation process. In the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, Congress put aside $1.5 billion dollars which is being utilized to develop a unified vision and strategy towards O-RAN and 5G. The congressional statutory language calls out seven big-picture objectives, most of which are centered around promoting the deployment of 5G. These are to:

  1. Add network virtualization
  2. Authorize new security features
  3. Accelerate the development of technology
  4. Promoting the deployment of 5G within the DoD
  5. Develop standards to enable a multi-vendor ecosystem
  6. Create open, interoperable telecommunication networks
  7. Allow interoperability to manage multi-vendor situations

While the act provides ten years to carry out its strategy, these standards should be added as soon as possible due to the fast-paced development of technology.

Aiding the DoD

Carahsoft 5G Summit Recap Blog Embedded Image 2023The DoD and 5G form a mutually beneficial relationship. 5G is created with security built in, so an investment in 5G is an investment in cybersecurity. By utilizing 5G at bases, the DoD can test its capabilities, as well as streamline and amplify the effectiveness of non-combat operations. This can include supply chain efficiency, large scale IoT networks, asset tracking and logistics management all while reducing costs. In return, the DoD tests and further funds 5G. The addition of 5G can provide lower mission costs, enhanced speed and provide higher quality operations. It also factors in risk reduction to each operation, by taking the cumbersome human process out of the equation and making certain operations less complex.

For the DoD, the key motivations in testing and using 5G are threefold. One, it aims to achieve streamlined and functioning interoperability, where individuals can handle operations from a single tablet. Two, it aims to reduce the amount of manual handling in operations. Since 5G has the latency to compute such artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities, it can perform time consuming tasks such as perimeter security. And three, the usage of 5G allows the DoD to gather data about 5G to utilize predictive analytics in the future.

The Future of 5G

There is more that 5G can do for military applications. With the advantage of 5G, there may be a paradigm shift in the usage of private wireless and on-demand communication. One of the biggest advancements of using 5G in a military context is the flexibility that comes with 5G being cloud native. 5G provides more capacity than traditional Wi-Fi or hotspots as it focuses on transport networks. With 5G, international communication could be streamlined, as frequency coordination between departments and consumers would no longer be required. 5G comes with the benefits of mobile edge computing and being O-RAN compliant, meaning it is up to Federal standards. This could even be helpful in residential rural and remote environments, where internet and satellite access is limited. There have been tests across various United States bases, aiming to utilize ML to tailor 5G to each user’s needs. To get these features, consistent testing is vital, even if it is not immediately profitable.

With all the changes to the way combatants use technology, it is important to enable the military to integrate 5G operations. By codifying new strategies and usage methods, agencies can reference, read and follow through with new procurements. With the addition of 5G, communication within the DoD and nation can be revolutionized in nearly unimaginable ways.

 

Visit Carahsoft’s 5G technology solutions portfolio to learn more about Carahsoft’s 5G Summit event and how we, along with our partners, can leverage the best and most reliable services to support your organization’s 5G mission.

*The information contained in this blog has been written based off the thought-leadership discussions presented by speakers at Carahsoft’s annual 5G Conference.*

A Two-Step Framework for Securing and Monitoring Military Drone Networks

In the coming years, the Department of Defense (DoD) will spend billions of dollars on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), which will include the expansion of the fleet through the Blue UAS effort, training, and maintenance. Drones and autonomous vehicles perform a variety of tasks in the battlespace, including mine-sweeping, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and search and rescue operations. However, there are challenges to monitoring the security and performance of these mobile endpoints—and the complex 5G networks they depend on.

How, then, can federal IT pros reap the benefits of UAS and 5G while bolstering the DoD’s IT infrastructure to realize those advantages without consequence? The answer is to introduce a two-fold focus within this ever-evolving environment.

  1. Build a Robust, Layered UAS Security Framework

From the manufacturing process through to deployment, drones are a lucrative target for nefarious actors seeking to disrupt operations, damage infrastructure, and cause bodily harm. Common tactics include injecting malicious code into UAS parts, using GPS spoofing to hijack a drone mid-flight, and hacking communications between the drone and controller and breaching sensitive data.

Mitigating these threats requires a layered approach. This starts with basic security hygiene, including strong passwords, data encryption, and the use of automatic push update software to ensure software stays current and vulnerabilities are addressed in a timely manner.

SolarWinds Military Drone Blog Embedded Image 2022But some hackers have the expertise to bypass this first line of defense. To combat this, military units must layer in more advanced measures. For example, snap-on deception technology can obscure the location of a drone and pilot. In addition, if a drone is lost or captured, cyber-hardening modules can protect against data exfiltration, erase log files, and shut the drone down.

Machine learning (ML) algorithms can also be leveraged to learn from drone flight patterns and behavior and flag anything deemed suspicious. Sophisticated ML and security information and event management (SIEM) tools can even continuously monitor drone-to-base communication for a complete understanding of the security status of UAS devices and network connections—in near real time.

  1. Gain End-to-End Observability of Hybrid 5G Networks

UAS operating on next-generation 5G wireless technology benefit from various advantages, such as unlimited bandwidth for uninterrupted control and high-speed transmission of image and video. 5G also offers security benefits. These networks can be designed to route traffic through an IP tunnel encrypted by default. Plus, additional security features can be layered on top without slowing the network.

However, 5G also brings increased complexity and visibility challenges. 5G networks comprise cloud and virtualized environments incredibly difficult to configure, monitor, and manage at scale using disparate legacy tools. As a result, IT teams risk drowning in a sea of alerts and disjointed analytics and may lack actionable insights to quickly identify, prioritize, and resolve issues.

To solve the challenges of 5G’s hybrid reality, military organizations must shift from a reactive to proactive IT posture and go beyond conventional monitoring. The best way to get a handle on connected UAS is to use single-pane-of-glass monitoring coupled with actionable intelligence delivering greater visibility, dependency insights, and operational predictability into everything connected to the network. With this automated toolset, they can visualize the entire 5G hybrid environment, reduce alert fatigue, accelerate issue resolution, and eliminate tool sprawl.

Finally, because encryption is a key capability of 5G networks, it can erode observability and insights into malicious activity, such as malware originating from a suspicious IP or connected UAS. Network architects should consider advanced traffic analysis strategies capable of segmenting encrypted traffic, decrypting it, inspecting it, and re-encrypting it—continuously and in real time—without compromising classified data.

Turning Challenges Into Possibilities

The distributed nature of UAS and 5G technologies is a complex challenge for the DoD that increases the attack surface and demands end-to-end oversight.

Fortunately, as these technologies have advanced, so has observability, helping federal IT pros gain deep, holistic visibility into hybrid 5G network environments and edge UAS devices—with a low total cost of ownership.

 

SolarWinds Hybrid IT Observability solutions are built to fortify mission-critical services. Click here to learn more.

CISA’s National Strategy to Secure 5G

In March 2020, the White House announced its decision to develop the National Strategy to Secure 5G in hopes of expanding modern technological use in the federal government.[1] However, the process has been difficult for companies to follow, as 5G introduces challenges like an increased surface area, software weaknesses, and decreased visibility. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a federal agency that aims to understand, manage, and secure cyber and physical infrastructure, has introduced a five-step 5G implementation process. With its partners from the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate, as well as the Department of Defense’s Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E), CISA offers federal agencies a blueprint to initiating and navigating the risk management process for authorizing 5G systems.[1]

Carahsoft CISA National Strategy to Secure 5G Blog Embedded Image 2022 5G has become a priority because it is a wireless technology that combines ubiquitous connectivity and computing. By using more bandwidth and higher frequencies, 5G succeeds in carrying more data quickly and efficiently. This type of network will be critical for projects in fields such as transportation, national defense and industrial production. The technology differs from most in that it allows users to specialize coverage to specific Internet of Things (IoT) or smart devices.[2]

Hurdles to Implementation

The first hurdle agencies have faced is an increased attack surface after installing 5G. Since connecting to the IoT would mean working in a space where security is not built in, there would be a wider range of vulnerabilities for attackers to find. Secondly, connecting to a wider network would increase the surface of the network, supply chain and software weaknesses, opening it up to more areas of attack. Finally, adding 5G can decrease the network visibility, and companies who do not utilize additional network visibility software may not gain network traffic viewership to identify abnormalities.[2]

Benefits of 5G

Despite potential setbacks, 5G has a variety of extremely useful features that will aid federal agencies’ technology use in innovative ways. Through the technology’s low, middle and high band radio spectrum, network slicing and edge computing, 5G will provide the public sector with new features, capabilities and services.[3] Security enhancements include:

  • Shield and Encryption identification that protect information from rogue devices
  • Data routing through virtual hubs that cannot be easily changed or moved that allows device compatibility with intelligent software and virtual hardware
  • A stronger encryption algorithm that disincentivizes hackers from decrypting your private information
  • High band radio spectrum that creates a more secure connection at quicker speeds[4]
  • A consistent user experience across network alternatives
  • Effortless network securement in remote locations, which can allow users to safely conduct business remotely
  • Safe network access on mobile devices that impact productivity and quick remediation capabilities[2]

To combat security risks, CISA has put forth a strategic initiative plan for federal agencies to follow.

There are five main steps in adapting 5G technology:

  1. Define the federal 5G use case
  2. Identify the assessment boundary
  3. Identify security requirements
  4. Outline security requirements to match federal guidance
  5. Assess security guidance gaps and alternatives[3]

One of the main goals of this process is to help agencies fill potential security gaps if they had applied 5G on their own. Agencies should utilize this initiative to identify important threat frameworks, 5G system security considerations, industry security specifications, federal security guidance documents and relevant methodologies to conduct cybersecurity assessments of 5G systems.[3] The standards provide a uniform and flexible approach to 5G and help federal agencies better evaluate, understand and address security and resilience to inspire future innovation.

A Positive Future

While every new technological advancement comes potential weaknesses, they provide greater potential for ensuring the security of the nation and the economy. As a result, CISA helps users add 5G to their networks in a uniform and flexible manner, and encourages agencies and organizations to provide feedback on the 5G Security Evaluation Process. These comments will be taken into consideration for adapting the strategy and guaranteeing that the guidelines will assist every government agency in their journey to safely adapt 5G.

 

Carahsoft and its vendors bring together a vast variety of security experts. With our aid and solutions, we can help you gain the knowledge and software needed to implement and evaluate 5G and keep your network secure. For more information regarding the evaluation process for 5G in federal government, visit our website.

 

[1] “5G Security and Resilience,” Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. https://www.cisa.gov/5g

[2] “What is 5G Security? Explaining the Security Benefits and Vulnerabilities of 5G Architecture,” AT&T Cybersecurity. https://cybersecurity.att.com/blogs/security-essentials/what-is-5g-security

[3] “5G Security Evaluation Process Investigation Version 1,” Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/5G_Security_Evaluation_Process_Investigation_508c.pdf

[4] “What is 5G an Why Does it Matter,” Verizon. https://www.verizon.com/about/our-company/5g/what-5g

Accelerating Digital Transformation

The pandemic has highlighted the urgency of modernizing government systems and propelled agencies forward on their journey to digital transformation. In a recent survey of FCW readers, 71% of respondents said the pandemic had accelerated their agencies’ efforts to modernize IT. A successful digital transformation has certain key elements. Agencies must be able to protect and fully utilize their data, make optimal use of cloud technology, and take advantage of the latest developments in telecommunications. Those elements are not self-contained, but interlocking and overlapping. Therefore, fitting all the pieces together requires a holistic approach. In a digital-centric government, policymaking and service delivery are driven by data. The customer experience is more satisfying because it has the right balance of security and convenience. Government employees collaborate with one another seamlessly and securely regardless of location. And agencies have agile, intelligent platforms and infrastructure that support innovation in even the most challenging conditions. Achieving that vision is a struggle for many agencies, but there are signs of progress. As agencies take a more comprehensive approach to modernization, they will make rapid progress on improving public-facing and back-office operations. Learn how that progress will lead to even bigger improvements and the capacity to tackle ever-greater challenges  in Carahsoft’s Innovation in Government® report.

 

5G: Real-Time Operations at the Enterprise Edge

“The era of real-time analytics In the past, government agencies didn’t have many real-time tasks to manage. But now we are moving into the era of machine learning, artificial intelligence, real-time analytics, high-performance telemetry, management tuning and dynamic infrastructure. It’s important to make sure that data and processing exist in a place that can operate in real time, and that place is not the enterprise data center or even public clouds. Instead, real-time operations should happen close to where users are — at the enterprise edge. 5G environments have an edge very close to the mobile user, maybe in the cell site itself. Other edges exist further into the backhaul and create an aggregate set of compute and processing capabilities that bring this next-generation intelligent connectivity and processing into the mobile experience.”

Read more insights from Dell’s Technology Strategist, Chris Thomas.

 

Navigating the Complexities of Cloud Repatriation

IIG FCW Digital Transformation Blog Embedded Image 2022“There are many factors that might prompt agencies to consider moving to another cloud environment, including cost, application performance, security and data protection requirements. In most public clouds, applications with frequent data uploads or downloads will typically incur higher-than-normal hosting costs due to ingress and egress charges. Ideally, agencies should have a consumption model that aligns with their data access needs. Similarly, depending on the volume of data and the location of users and adjacent applications, latency may be introduced into application processing, which will present itself to users as poor performance.”

Read more insights from Dell’s Senior Director of Federal Presales, Michael Byrne.

 

 A Modern Approach to Data Protection

“Cloud technology opens up enhanced capabilities to protect one of the most important resources that government agencies have: their data. Those capabilities include maintaining archive copies, establishing or further extending best practices for data backup, and creating an isolated and immutable copy of data that is recoverable should there be a cyber incident. In fact, isolation and immutability are essential techniques that can help agencies protect critical data from ransomware and other sophisticated threats. The overarching goal is to achieve cyber resilience, which is a combination of information security, data protection and cyber recovery.”

Read more insights from Dell’s Advisory Systems Engineer for Cyber Resilience, Jason Proctor.

 

 The 7 Pillars of a Zero Trust Architecture

“Agencies already have substantial investments in cybersecurity tools they can leverage as they move to zero trust. They can start by taking stock of the applications, practices and services they are currently using that support zero trust principles. Which ones are missing? And which tools does an agency have that it’s not using? New products are often deployed without enabling their full security capabilities, so agencies should consider what untapped features in their existing tools could help them enhance their cybersecurity posture. Then they can identify what they need to purchase to fill any gaps.”

Read more insights from Dell’s Field CTO for Cybersecurity, Daniel Carroll.

 

A Dynamic Way to Create Hybrid Cloud Environments

“When agencies are deciding which workloads belong in a public cloud versus an on-premises environment, it’s rarely a point-in-time consideration. Instead, that determination often includes anticipating future changes. Although agencies may be entirely on-premises today, they may intend to move at least a portion of today’s on-premises workloads to a public cloud in a couple of years, and they are looking to vendors to help them make that transition. APEX Flex on Demand allows customers who are buying compute, hyper-converged, converged or storage solutions to acquire what they need today while giving them some flexibility for what they may need or may not need tomorrow if or when they move workloads between on-premises and public clouds.”

Read more insights from Dell Financial Services’ Vice President, Mike Sullivan.

 

Download the full Innovation in Government® report for more insights from these digital transformation thought leaders and additional industry research from FCW.

5G Military Testing: Paving the Way for the Future

The DoD’s 5G Military Strategy

Approval of the 2022 defense budget on March 15, 2022 provided another $600 million for the Department of Defense’s (DoD) “5G to Next G” Initiative [1]. This additional investment in the DoD program allows for continued progress in the Tranche 1 sites and the further launching of Tranche 2. In response to the current defense strategy update, the effort covers 5G (fifth generation mobile technologies) experimentation and testing at a total of 12 military test sites. The FY22 funding brings 5G military spending to over 1.85 billion since 2020. The 5G military initiative aligns with President Biden and the DoD’s top priorities of strengthening military advantages to counter threats from China, modernizing the military, and expanding research and development.

The first five 5G test sites initiated in October 2020, referred to as Tranche 1, specialize in different aspects of 5G technology and include:

  • Hill Air Force Base, Utah–Dynamic Spectrum Utilization
  • Fort Hood, Texas–Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality Training (Formerly at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington)
  • Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Georgia–5G Smart Warehousing (Vehicular)
  • Naval Base San Diego, California–5G Smart Warehousing (Transshipment)
  • Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nevada–Distributed Command and Control [2]

The same year the DoD announced Tranche 2 test sites which included another seven military bases. These sites include:

  • Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia—Ship-wide and Pier-side Connectivity
  • Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii—Enhancing Aircraft Mission Readiness
  • Joint Base San Antonio, Texas—Augmented Reality Support of Maintenance and Training & 5G Core Security Experimentation Network
  • Fort Hood, Texas—Wireless Connectivity for Forward Operating Bases (FOB) and Tactical Operations Centers (TOC)
  • National Training Center (NTC) Fort Irwin, California—Wireless Connectivity for Forward Operating Bases (FOB) and Tactical Operations Centers (TOC)
  • Camp Pendleton, California—Wireless Connectivity for FOBs and TOCs
  • Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma–Bi-directional Spectrum Sharing Between DOD Communications Systems and Commercial 5G Systems [3]

These experiments are the largest full-scale 5G tests for dual-use applications in the world. The DoD’s primary goals for these 5G tests are to: promote technology development; assess, mitigate, and operate through 5G vulnerabilities; influence 5G standards and policies; and engage partners.

Current Developments and Relevance

Since the initial 2020 funding, the base test sites have been progressing in their respective areas. In June 2021, the DoD released the first update for Tranche 1 and hosted a demonstration of the $90 million prototype being tested at the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Georgia. The smart warehousing demonstration of 5G speeds displayed enhancements for the inventory management of autonomous vehicles, machine learning, and augmented/virtual reality uses combined with a zero-trust security strategy[4]. Hill Air Force Base in Utah, also a part of Tranche 1, celebrated its successful deployment of a private 5G network in December 2021 with additional upgrade goals scheduled for May 2022[5]. As of a January 2022 report, Tranche 2 sites are still being established. Officials hope they will reach maturity by the end of the year[6].

These tech advancements become even more critical because the U.S. is not the only country attempting to integrate 5G technology with its military. Michael Brown, director of the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit, calls China’s strides in the 5G realm “shocking and alarming.” Brown considers the U.S. in a superpower race with China to launch full-scale military 5G usage[7]. Interference to the system from Russia poses another threat. The latest U.S. National Defense Strategy emphasized, “Success no longer goes to the country that develops a new technology first, but rather to the one that better integrates it and adapts its way of fighting.”[8]

Carahsoft 5G Military Defense Strategy Blog Embedded Image 2022Benefits of 5G Military Usage

5G technology unlocks immense benefits that surpass previous networks’ capabilities and allow for additional integration of resources. While the most prominent improvements are the increased speed, reduced latency, and better reliability, there are many other benefits that apply to the military specifically. Since 5G includes more software and cloud capabilities that were previously unavailable with 4G, the military can decentralize their command centers. Having a functionally integrated but physically separate command center decreases vulnerability and makes the centers harder for enemies to target[9]. This software and location mobility enables the network to be reconfigured spontaneously and increases flexibility which is crucial on the warfront.

5G’s boosted data rates of 20-100 times faster than any current network speeds provide access to near real-time data and the power to sustain Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity that was previously unattainable[10]. This feature is an integral part of mobilizing the military’s Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) strategy and interconnected missions[11]. Additionally, 5G embeds encryption, network slicing, and other new privacy controls necessary for a secure network[12].

As the DoD collaborates with commercial organizations for 5G production, the military can influence the development and technology standards to support military requirements. These revolutionary results are only possible if the challenges of security and implementation are solved.

Challenges with Incorporating 5G

Even with the additional security capabilities, protecting the network from bad actors remains a primary concern. Especially in scenarios where the military is operating in hostile environments, secure 5G infrastructure may not be available. Installation in such areas can be particularly costly and infeasible[13]. Another weakness of the new network is prevalent signal disruption by physical objects such as buildings and rain. This interference comes in addition to the intentional interruption and eavesdropping by enemies, which compromises the reliability and integrity of the system[10].

Throughout the entire experimentation, production, and implementation process, the DoD must be extremely vigilant to confirm that the network components are safe and uncover new vulnerabilities through continual testing. Zero trust plays a massive role in 5G systems since it employs a significant amount of third-party hardware and software. Each application and device adds to the possible attack surface, necessitating additional precautions.

The digital refresh rate raises questions about long-term viability and return on investment. With discussions of 6G already underway, Kelly Marchese, Principal for Deloitte Consulting LLP, says that during the experimentation phase, test crews must work quickly but also ensure that they assess a wide enough scope of options and prepare for new adaptations. “Otherwise, by the time the defense application for 5G is ready to be rolled out, it may already be dated,” Marchese said. She described their philosophy as, “think big, start small, scale fast.”[13]

The Future of Military 5G

This modernization effort with 5G is an imperative step for the military in advancing technologies. The future lies in combining the speed, security, and bandwidth of 5G with AI and machine learning to derive the most reliable, comprehensive intelligence[10]. Excellence and efficiency in current research and testing paves the way for expedited innovation in the coming years.

Chris Bates, Specialist Leader with Deloitte Consulting LLP, believes that tech companies should view this as a massive opportunity to invest and play a vital role in assisting the DoD to achieve and roll out 5G capabilities and support national and economic security[14].

The new defense strategy is set to release in early 2022 and will offer more insight into the latest updates, directives, and priorities.

Visit our website to learn more about how Carahsoft brings together proven vendors with powerful 5G solutions and our upcoming events surrounding the latest 5G initiatives.

 

[1] “Department of Defense 5G Investment in Fiscal 2022,” GovWin from Deltek, https://iq.govwin.com/neo/marketAnalysis/view/Department-of-Defense-5G-Investment-in-Fiscal-2022/6297?researchTypeId=1&researchMarket=

[2] “New 5G challenge to incentivize open architecture solutions,” C4ISRNET, https://www.c4isrnet.com/smr/5g/2022/01/28/new-5g-challenge-to-incentivize-open-architecture-solutions/

[3] “Pentagon names seven new bases for 5G test beds,” C4ISRNET, https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/it-networks/5g/2020/06/04/pentagon-names-seven-new-bases-for-5g-test-beds/

[4] “Department of Defense Successfully Demonstrates a 5G Network for Smart Warehouses,” U.S. Department of Defense, https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/2650242/department-of-defense-successfully-demonstrates-a-5g-network-for-smart-warehous/#:~:text=The%20Department%20of%20Defense’s%20(DOD,built%20in%20the%20United%20States.

[5] “DoD Kicks Off 5G Dynamic Spectrum Sharing Experimentation at Hill AFB,” U.S. Department of Defense, https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/2859222/dod-kicks-off-5g-dynamic-spectrum-sharing-experimentation-at-hill-afb/

[6] “Pentagon to Launch New 5G Challenge to Support Military Sites,” Potomac Officers Club, https://potomacofficersclub.com/news/pentagon-to-launch-new-5g-challenge-to-support-military-sites/

[7] “Defense Department Further Accelerating 5G Development,” National Defense Magazine, https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2021/1/7/defense-department-further-accelerating-5g-development

[8] “Why the World’s Militaries are Embracing 5G,” IEEE Spectrum, https://spectrum.ieee.org/lockheed-martin-5g

[9] “Military 5G Testing Will Pave the Way for Modernization,” FedTech, https://fedtechmagazine.com/article/2021/05/military-5g-testing-will-pave-way-modernization

[10] “What 5G Means to the Military,” Military + Aerospace Electronics, https://www.militaryaerospace.com/rf-analog/article/14188341/military-5g-communications

[11] “How the Joint All-Domain Command and Control Will Use 5G to Improve Mission Effectiveness,” Carahsoft, https://www.carahsoft.com/community/carahsoft-5g-jadc2-mission-effectiveness-blog-2021

[12] “Take 5: 5G Cybersecurity,” Deloitte, https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/consulting/articles/take-five-on-5g-cybersecurity.html

[13] “Department of Defense 5G Strategy Implementation Plan: Advancing 5G Technology & Applications Securing 5G Capabilities,” United States Department of Defense,  https://www.cto.mil/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/DOD-5G-Strategy-Implementation-Plan.pdf

[14] “Take 5: 5G and the DoD,” Deloitte, https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/consulting/articles/take-5-5g-dod.html

Using AIOps and Observability to Boost Network Resiliency

When the U.S. National Science Foundation announced its intent to form a program dedicated to making next-generation networks more resilient, the message was clear. In an increasingly connected world, we can’t afford to have communication networks experience measurable levels of failure or degradation in the wake of a possible attack—we can’t even afford human error.

The Resilient and Intelligent Next-Generation Systems (RINGS) program came on the heels of the Department of Defense’s US$600 million investment in 5G technologies. Other industries, including mission-critical ones like healthcare and utilities, are also banking on next-gen telecommunications systems to advance everything from telemedicine to smart equipment management.

But to achieve true resilience, organizations must adopt approaches capable of going beyond traditional network monitoring and embrace new technologies. Solutions like AIOps and network observability can reduce the time it takes to identify and repair network failures, boosting network resiliency and performance.

What Is AIOps?

AIOps is the method of applying artificial intelligence and its components, including predictive analytics and machine learning, to IT operations. AIOps collects data from various sources and turns it into actionable intelligence, which organizations can use proactively to address and even anticipate certain situations—for example, signs of a network intrusion or service disruption.

SolarWinds AIOps and Network Resiliency Blog Embedded Image 2022How Is AIOps Different From Traditional Network Monitoring?

AIOps goes further than traditional network monitoring. Not only does the system provide organizations with predictive intelligence allowing systems to detect a potential problem before it occurs, it can also automatically respond to those problems without the need for IT’s involvement.

When IT needs to be involved, AIOps cuts through the noise by collecting data from connected resources (like sensors, cameras, other devices, and network elements). It streamlines information by reducing noise and identifies high-priority information so IT managers can focus on pressing items and not suffer from alert fatigue. In this way, AIOps provides the team with a high degree of observability of everything happening across their next-generation networks.

What Is Network Observability, and Why Is It Important?

Having the ability to observe the entire network gives IT managers a significant advantage for achieving true resiliency. Observability isn’t just about seeing what’s happening across the network; it’s about being able to use multiple data sets to quickly identify issues and fix them before they become disruptive. Instead of using only log data to track the root of a problem, organizations can leverage a combination of log data, application data, and other metrics.

Think of observability as being able to look to the left, center, and right:

  • The left is the past—what happened on the network recently.
  • The center is the present—what’s happening on the network right now.
  • The right is the future—what will likely happen given what’s happened before and what’s currently taking place.

What someone sees when they look to the right is informed by the wealth of past and present data.

How Is Observability Different From Traditional Network Monitoring?

Network monitoring is a reactive measure; IT managers are alerted to issues as they happen. AIOps-based observability is an anticipatory measure. Therefore, it’s more likely to prevent challenges and preserve resiliency.

Plus, today’s networks are highly complex. They consist of in-house, on-premises, and hybrid clouds, and they’re continually changing. Managing them effectively and ensuring they continue to operate as expected requires an unfiltered viewpoint.

How Does All This Tie Into Performance?

With the emergence of 5G, the prevalence of smart devices, and the prospect of long-term remote work environments, our world is more connected than ever before. A single loss in connectivity can lead to minor inconveniences (such as when a social media site goes dark) or large-scale disruptions (like those resulting from an attack on a utility company).

AIOps and observability provide significant layers of protection against these disturbances. AIOps can help anticipate downtime and proactively remediate threats. Even if a problem arises, observability can help teams identify the problem quickly and trace it back to the source so networks can remain high-performing and resilient.

 

Visit our website for more information on network observability.

How the Joint All-Domain Command and Control Will Use 5G to Improve Mission Effectiveness

 

The Department of Defense (DoD) developed the Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) to connect sensors, data processing and artificial intelligence algorithms from the Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy and Space Force through a fast, resilient network. It’s meant to deliver a powerful edge in decision superiority by putting the right information in the right hands at the right time. The adoption of 5G technology will enable JADC2, and fuel it’s speed and capabilities.

“The principles of data management, secure processing at the edge, new connectivity solutions and new applications have to be available in very austere locations,” David Stickley, an executive with Dell Technologies and retired Air Force Colonel, told Air Force Magazine. “Our current infrastructure simply does not support that.”

As part of JADC2, the Air Force is developing the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), a new network designed to pass information across all domains. It is intended to be a primary part of the solution that will ultimately bring all networks together under one roof with a common operational picture.

Where 5G will help

5G promises speed, deep learning and multi-edge computing (MEC). Active use of 5G technology is still fairly nascent, but the DoD is actively developing projects and platforms to utilize the increased bandwidth and edge computing. Thus far, new initiatives include unmanned drones, smart warehouses and logistics automation.

For JADC2, 5G will enhance the connectivity of systems, speed data and increase computing power. For a global mission, the military requires warfighters, devices and systems to be connected anywhere in the world at all times. Increased speed by itself will enable more data to be transferred even faster.

5G JADC2 Improving Mission Effectiveness Blog Embedded Image 2021MEC is the gamechanger for JADC2. Through MEC, sensitive data stays within a local network and can be processed more quickly, leading to improved performance and better security. MEC will enable JADC2 to support automation and compute-heavy processes in a low-latency environment and better support the Internet of Things. Computing power is decentralized to enable applications to access cloud options that deliver more computing power and storage without massive investments in on-prem infrastructure.

JADC2 use cases and the impact of 5G

Future 5G uses will include virtual reality settings of combat environments, machine learning to improve intelligence, unmanned vehicles and more. JADC2 will ensure that what is available to one branch will be available to all.

DoD has had two JADC2 experiments as a proof of concept for the program. These showed the real-world impact of what an effective execution of JADC2 can be.

Scenario #1: Cruise missile threat

In this scenario, aircraft from the Air Force and Navy, a Navy destroyer, an Army radar system and a mobile artillery system were tested in response to an inbound cruise missile. Sensors in each platform were linked to share real-time data, provide a complete picture of the environment and help make effective decisions.

Impact of 5G: In scenarios such as this, split-second decisions are needed. Edge computing and low latency, made available by 5G, enables automated systems (like targeting) to make near-instant decisions and react to the threat.

Scenario #2: NATO nations threat

Air Force aircraft, naval vessels, special operations units and eight NATO allies simulated a response to a threat in the Black Sea.  In this scenario, not only were multiple branches connected but other allies as well.

Impact of 5G: Ubiquitous connectivity helps with command and control, ensuring that other nations are working with the same information as American forces.

Ultimately, DoD officials believe that JADC2, enhanced with 5G technology, will have three key benefits:

  • Rapidly understand the battlespace
  • Direct forces faster than the enemy
  • Deliver synchronized combat effects across all domains

The overall impact of 5G serves to make the military more effective, agile and give all branches an edge over adversaries.

 

Are you interested in learning more about how 5G supports the warfighter mission? Contact a Carahsoft 5G representative or visit Carahsoft to learn more.

How to Navigate the Federal Mobility Group’s 5G Testing Framework

 

5G technology promises to be a game-changer for federal agencies and how they operate and deliver services. Government agencies prepared to take full advantage of the increased bandwidth and edge computing that 5G brings will have a leg up in finding new and innovative ways to deliver on their mission.

This represents a rare opportunity for federal agencies to embrace digital transformation across their organizations. However, how to best accomplish this is still somewhat murky. The Federal Mobility Group (FMG), part of the General Services Administration, was created in 2019 to help agencies navigate this new technology.

What is the Federal Mobility Group and the 5G Testing Framework?

The Federal Chief Information Officer Council established the FMG as a federal community of practice, a group that brings public sector mobile technology experts together to address common mobility challenges. The FMG studies emerging technologies like 5G and establishes policies, guidance and best practices and serves as a single source of truth for the federal mobility community.

One of their primary deliverables has been the 5G testing framework, which guides agencies looking to test and implement 5G technologies. It establishes testing capabilities and lab and testbed assessment approaches. The framework includes:

  • End-to-end 5G testing architecture and mapping to 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 5G standards
  • A modular approach listing all possible testing elements needed for different use-cases
  • Two examples showing how to use the framework to understand the test elements and determine which are needed for a use-case
  • Performance and security metrics that can be collected on a 5G testbed

The framework is being used to guide initiatives like the Department of Defense (DoD) implementing 5G on bases and commands. And it will continue to help civilian agencies exploring the use of advanced technologies.

Carahsoft FMG 5G Testing Framework Blog Embedded Image 2021How is the Framework supposed to be used?

The framework includes five specific steps to create a viable testbed. This creates a modular approach that can be replicated and standardized across the federal government.

Step 1: Define use cases

Agencies should first define what the technology being researched will be used for. The working group that created the framework identified potential 5G use cases ranging from autonomous vehicles to devices that support multiple classification levels.

Step 2: Understand test elements and standards

The architecture being used should be clearly articulated. The framework identifies four primary elements of a 5G test environment:

  • User equipment such as drones, autonomous vehicles, etc.
  • Radio access networks like smart cells, macro towers, and similar networks
  • Mobile edge cloud
  • Core network infrastructure

Step 3: Determine which high-level test resources are needed

Have a full understanding of what is required to have a relevant test. This may include space to test in, network size, devices, traffic volume and more.

Step 4: Develop a test plan

The test plan should have relevance to the use case and include a clear objective, testing approach and metrics to be collected.

Step 5: Choose framework modules to conduct testing

The framework identifies four modules for testing.  Not all modules are required to be in the final plan but all should be considered. The modules are:

  • Architecture (5G versus LTE)
  • Spectrum (which to use)
  • Application traffic generation (live or emulated)
  • Network (type of network used)

What should the end result be?

In April 2021, FMG, along with collaborators, hosted a two-day workshop to show what the framework looks like in practice. In this case, the webinar focused on two specific use cases:  unmanned aircraft and smart warehouses. The Federal Aviation Administration discussed the use case for unmanned drones that leverage 5G cellular technology. The DoD tested 5G-enabled smart warehouses that feature automated inventory processes. Both are still in the experimental stage, but the testing framework will help ensure proper methods are used and the process arrives at sound conclusions.

 

Interested in learning more about what the 5G testing framework means to your agency? Contact a Carahsoft 5G representative or visit Carahsoft to learn more.