SIPRNet

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The SIPRNet (Secret [formerly Secure] Internet Protocol Router Network) is a system of interconnected computer networks used by the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of State to transmit classified information (up to and including information classified SECRET) by packet switching over the TCP/IP protocols in a "completely secure" environment. It also provides services such as hypertext documents and electronic mail. In other words, the SIPRNet is the DoD’s classified version of the civilian Internet together with its counterpart, the Top Secret and SCI Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System, JWICS.

Except for existing within a secure environment, the SIPRNet is virtually indistinguishable from the Internet to the user. Its chief visible difference is the domain name system, with almost all sites being under '.smil.mil' or '.sgov.gov' . Among its many features, computers cleared for SIPRNet access connect to the network via secure dial-up or LAN connections, access web pages written in standard HTML using a standard web browser, can upload and download files via FTP connections, and can send or receive email messages through SMTP services using email programs such as Microsoft Outlook. All data transmitted on SIPRNet between secure facilities must be encrypted by approved NSA encryption systems. While the public Internet can be used to transmit encrypted SIPRNet packets ("SIPR over NIPR"), no access is permitted between the two networks.

SIPRNet and NIPRnet are referred to colloquially as SIPR (pronounced 'sipper') and NIPR (pronounced 'nipper'), respectively.

SIPRNet hosts a forum called CAVNET which is used in Iraq to share Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures data.

The network supports a variety of Defense Department networks and systems, such as:

• The Global Command and Control System, GCCS
• The Defense Message System, DMS
• The Defense Research and Engineering Network, DREN
• The Global Information Grid, GIG
• Net-Centric Enterprise Services, NCES
• Navy-Marine Corps Intranet,
• OCONUS Navy Enterprise Network, ONE-Net
• Theater Battle Management Core Systems, TBMCS

and many other classified warfighter applications.

SIPRNet supersedes the earlier DSNET 1, the SECRET level of the Defense Data Network based on ARPANET technology.

[edit] See also

• NIPRNet
• Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS)
• Global Command and Control System (GCCS)
• Intellipedia

[edit] External links

• DISA
• Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET) by the Federation of American Scientists' Intelligence Resource Program
• Sunday Times on how SIPRNET created information asymmetry