Securing wireless connectivity for hundreds of thousands of defense users across every classification level is a high-stakes assignment. This HPE article is about how DISA deploys Wi-Fi 6 and Zero Trust security to support roughly 400,000 Department of Defense users worldwide, unifying connectivity and strengthening performance, interoperability, and scalability. Read the article to see secure modernization at scale.
What is DISA doing to modernize its wireless networks?
DISA is reimagining its wireless infrastructure as part of the Fourth Estate Network Optimization (4ENO) initiative. The goal is to create a single, secure digital enterprise for the Department of Defense’s 4th Estate agencies.
Key elements of the modernization include:
- Unified wireless infrastructure: DISA is standardizing on an HPE Aruba Networking wireless platform across DISA Headquarters, 4th Estate agencies, and the new DoDNet environment.
- Wi‑Fi 6 deployment: HPE Aruba Networking Wi‑Fi 6 Access Points are being deployed at DISA Headquarters to deliver secure, high-performance connectivity for employees, mission partners, and guests.
- Secure access management: HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass is being used to manage access and enforce security policies across all classification levels.
- Support at scale: The deployment is designed to support approximately 400,000 Department of Defense users worldwide across all 4th Estate agencies.
Together, these steps help DISA reduce network complexity, improve interoperability through open standards, and provide a consistent wireless experience across its global footprint.
How does the new wireless infrastructure improve security and access control?
The HPE Aruba Networking deployment is designed to help DISA strengthen security while simplifying how users and devices connect.
Key security and access control benefits include:
- Zero-Trust posture: The Wi‑Fi 6 infrastructure supports a Zero-Trust approach, where every user and device must be authenticated and authorized before gaining access.
- WPA3 protection: Built-in Wi‑Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) improves password security and enhances protections for guest access.
- ClearPass for policy-based access: HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass provides centralized policy control, enabling DISA to define who can access what, under which conditions, across all classification levels.
- Device visibility and automation: The solution delivers device visibility, workflow automation, and integrated cybersecurity threat response in a single, cohesive platform.
- Future-ready for 5G integration: DISA gains the future capability to enable seamless and secure transitions from 5G cellular networks onto internal classified and unclassified networks.
For DoDNet specifically, the secure HPE Aruba Networking WLAN provides unified and streamlined wireless access for government furnished equipment (GFE), helping ensure consistent security controls across the environment.
What benefits will DoD users and agencies see from DoDNet and Wi‑Fi 6?
The combined DoDNet and HPE Aruba Networking deployment is intended to improve both user experience and operational efficiency across the Department of Defense’s 4th Estate.
Key benefits include:
- Consistent user experience: A unified wireless infrastructure delivers an enterprise-wide, consistent experience for mobile, IoT, and operational technology (OT) devices.
- Support for core applications: The network is designed to support a wide range of business applications, including Microsoft 365 and other information systems used daily by DoD personnel.
- Secure as-a-service model: DoDNet provides secure, as-a-service networking, IT systems, and business applications to participating 4th Estate agencies, aligning with DISA’s vision of a single digital enterprise.
- Improved performance and reliability: Wi‑Fi 6 capabilities help deliver higher performance and more reliable connectivity in dense, mission-critical environments.
- Reduced complexity and better interoperability: By standardizing on open, standards-based HPE Aruba Networking technologies, DISA can simplify operations and improve interoperability across agencies and locations.
Overall, approximately 400,000 DoD users and warfighters worldwide are expected to benefit from more secure, consistent, and efficient access to the applications and data they rely on.
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