(62nd AW PA) - The 62nd Communications Squadron recently completed a $7 million computer network infrastructure upgrade to the information technology systems on base through the Air Force Combat Information Transport System Program.

The upgrade was completed Dec. 15, providing a redesign of the McChord unclassified network system, or the Non-Secure Internet Protocol Router Network.

According to McChord communications officials, the upgrade affected over 100 facilities, ensuring existing fiber optic connections to each facility were adequate and installed new or additional fiber optic cable if required. It also upgraded or replaced, as necessary, all network switching equipment and addressed power and environmental control of the communications rooms.

"This upgrade is an information technology initiative that was downward directed by the Air Force that brought new technology to increase our network reliability and through-put for the backbone of the internet structure," said Maj. Robert Povlich, 62nd Communications Squadron commander. "It is being implemented Air Force-wide."

This upgrade enabled the Air Force to take advantage of the latest network technologies, which offer significantly more capability and scalability than other networks in place today.

The redesign and upgrade offers the opportunity to enhance the Air Force's information security posture," said 1st Lt. Mica Myers, 62nd CS.

"This new technology provides the base with the capability to support the arrival of future technological advances such as enhanced, real-time intelligence and weather imagery data, desktop video teleconferencing and voice data transmission over the traditional computer network infrastructure."

Immediate benefits include higher quality network services via network backup, replacement of outdated network equipment, and improvement of network capabilities to support new systems, McChord network officials said.

In March 2008, a team of engineers from General Dynamics and Cannon Construction, sponsored by the CITS Program Office located at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., surveyed all facilities and the base manhole and cable duct infrastructure to develop the project design. The installation phase began in October 2008, when the CITS contractor performed the actual installation of fiber optic cables and network switching equipment. Installation took approximately 14 months.

"Every effort was taken to minimize the impact of this project on the McChord community," Myers said.