Fall 2005, Vol. 2, Issue 3

Y‑12 leads NWC wireless project

Y‑12 is leading the Nuclear Weapons Complex Unified Wireless Implementation Project team that was chartered to develop and demonstrate wireless technology for secure environments. This technology will reduce wiring installation costs and improve responsiveness and flexibility, as well as improve the safety of workers.

The seven-site team is formulating standard methodologies for addressing wireless security requirements and will publish guidance for the uniform development and deployment of wireless technologies at all NWC sites. A major goal of the May 2005 wireless summit held at Pantex was achieved with agreement from the security policy stakeholders to actively participate in the interpretation and implementation of security policies for wireless technologies.

In July, at Y‑12's request, Sandia National Laboratories conducted a peer review of Y‑12's wireless technology investments against the following criteria: (1) planned programmatic wireless technology investments adequately support business objectives; (2) a broad spectrum of technical alternatives is being considered and (3) the program elements are appropriately planned, aligned and integrated across the site.

Programmatic documentation for the multisite project was included in the review, which found Y‑12 methods for managing communications projects and performing technology risk assessments to be among the best in the complex. Future peer reviews and other collaborative activities will be planned between Y‑12 and SNL to leverage each site's business and technical expertise.

In FY 2006, Y‑12 will investigate the merger of diskless and wireless technology to support a mobile, wireless, diskless capability at Y‑12.

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