Sandia's Terminal Switching Network and Fiber Optic Loop

Abstract

At Sandia National Laboratories, a data communications architecture — whose major elements include a fiber loop, technical control centers, and a terminal switching network — provides security for data communications. The optical fiber loop supplies the advantages of high bandwidth, negligible crosstalk, immunity to interference, and resistance to tapping. The technical control centers, as elements on the fiber loop, focus regional communications and simplify distribution over the loop. The terminal switching network uses the fiber loop and the control centers' distribution and control capabilities to layer management and security control onto the Sandia network. By designing data communications around this set of trusted elements, Sandia has implemented a robust, secure system without sacrificing performance or responsiveness.