A Closer Look at the Nokia 7705 SAR
The world of defense technology is underpinned by strict compliance standards designed to ensure that every piece of equipment used within the Department of Defense (DoD) meets stringent cybersecurity and interoperability requirements. Two key elements of this framework are the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN) Approved Products List (APL) and the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). These acronyms represent critical components of the DoD’s efforts to secure and standardize its technological infrastructure.
What is DoDIN APL?
The DoDIN APL is not just a list—it is a gatekeeper for DoD technology. Managed by the Approved Products Certification Office (APCO), this list ensures that every product deployed within the DoD’s network meets stringent standards for cybersecurity, reliability, and interoperability.
The Certification Process
Achieving DoDIN APL certification is an arduous process that typically spans 13 to 15 months and involves multiple phases:
Initial Assessment: The vendor must provide detailed technical and compliance documentation for their product.
Self-Assessment: The vendor evaluates their product against established standards to identify potential gaps.
Initial Contact Meeting (ICM): A formal discussion with APCO to review the product and its readiness for certification.
Formal Testing: Conducted at a DISA Testing Center, this phase rigorously evaluates the product for any vulnerabilities, performance issues, or interoperability failures.
he product passes these tests, it is added to the DoDIN APL under a provisional listing, with an accompanying Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) to address minor issues. Vendors must resolve these issues within a year to maintain their certification status.
DISA: The Certification Authority
The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is at the core of the DoDIN APL certification process, serving as a vital combat support agency that ensures the Department of Defense (DoD) maintains reliable, secure, and mission-ready technological capabilities. While its role in certifying products is critical, DISA’s mandate extends far beyond this responsibility, encompassing a range of essential functions that underpin the DoD’s technological infrastructure.
Maintaining Defense Information Systems Network (DISN)
One of DISA’s primary responsibilities is developing and maintaining the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN), which serves as the DoD’s global IT backbone. This network enables secure and efficient communication across military branches, ensuring mission-critical operations have the robust connectivity required to succeed. By continually evolving and enhancing the DISN, DISA plays a central role in sustaining the technological foundation of the defense enterprise.
Supporting Secure Command and Control Capabilities
In addition to managing the DISN, DISA is tasked with supporting secure command and control capabilities for military operations. This involves ensuring commanders and personnel access secure, reliable communication systems that facilitate real-time decision-making and operational coordination. These capabilities are vital in routine operations and high-stakes scenarios where secure and uninterrupted communication can mean the difference between success and failure.
Standardizing DoD IT Solutions
DISA also focuses on standardizing IT solutions across all DoD branches. This standardization ensures seamless communication and data exchange among various defense entities, fostering greater interoperability and reducing inefficiencies. By establishing common standards and protocols, DISA helps create a cohesive technological environment that enables the DoD to function as a unified force.
Through its rigorous testing and evaluation processes, DISA verifies that IT products meet the highest standards of cybersecurity and performance. Products that pass these evaluations earn a place on the DoDIN APL, signaling their readiness for deployment in even the most sensitive and demanding defense environments. This certification is a mark of trust, assuring that a product can meet the unique challenges of military operations while safeguarding critical systems and data.
By fulfilling these responsibilities, DISA ensures the DoD’s technological infrastructure remains secure and effective and lays the groundwork for innovation and resilience in the face of evolving threats.
Nokia 7705 SAR: Certified for Defense Use
One notable product on the DoDIN APL is the Nokia 7705 Service Aggregation Router (SAR). This device is a critical component in the defense sector’s network infrastructure, offering robust and secure routing capabilities.
The Nokia 7705 SAR has been certified for use by the DoD and is approved under two specific versions:
Nokia 7705 SAR Version 20.4R3
Tracking Number: 2130901
Effective Date: 10-Mar-2022
Expiration Date: 10-Mar-2025
Certified Device Types: Fixed Network Element (F-NE)
Nokia 7705 SAR Version SAR 21.10.R5
Tracking Number: 1718802
Effective Date: 09-Jun-2022
Expiration Date: 09-Jun-2025
Certified Device Types: Customer Edge Router (CER)
These certifications mean that the Nokia 7705 SAR has been tested and validated by DISA for use within the DoD’s technology infrastructure, specifically within the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN) Core. This validation underscores the router’s reliability, security, and interoperability, making it an essential tool in defense communications and network operations.
Why DoDIN APL Certification Matters
Achieving DoDIN APL certification is a milestone for the product and a testament to the manufacturer’s commitment to meeting the highest security and performance standards. This certification ensures that the deployed products can support critical missions without compromising security or functionality for the DoD.
For vendors, being listed on the DoDIN APL opens doors to selling IT products to the DoD, providing them with a significant market opportunity within the defense sector. It also serves as a mark of quality and reliability that can influence purchasing decisions within the broader public and private sectors.
How Infinity Can Help
Infinity understands the complexities and challenges of meeting DoD compliance standards. We specialize in assisting companies, including those in the defense sector, in navigating these rigorous certification processes. Our expertise in deploying Nokia solutions, like the 7705 SAR, ensures that defense organizations can leverage the most advanced, secure, and reliable technologies available to support their missions.
Whether you are a government agency or a private enterprise seeking to enhance your network capabilities, Infinity’s tailored solutions and services are designed to help you achieve your goals efficiently and effectively.
For more information on how we can support your defense or enterprise IT needs, contact us today.
About Infinity Technology Solutions
Infinity Technology Solutions specializes in broadband and critical communications infrastructure development. We help our channel partners create and deploy private wireless, microwave backhaul, IP/MPLS, and optical networking technologies.
For more information, give us a call or fill out the contact form below.
