Application of Virtual Private Networks in International Remote Monitoring Systems

One of the primary concerns of employing remote monitoring technologies for IAEA safeguards applications is the high cost of data transmission. Transmitting data over the Internet has been shown to be less expensive than other data transmission methods. However, data security using the Internet has never been adequately demonstrated. Virtual Private Networks has emerged as a solution to this problem. A field demonstration is being implemented to evaluate the use of Virtual Private Networks (via the Internet) as a means for data transmission. Evaluation points will include security, reliability, and cost. The existing Finnish Remote Environmental Monitoring System, located at the STUK facility in Helsinki, Finland, will serve as the field demonstration system. Sandia National Laboratories will establish a Virtual Private Network between STUK Headquarters in Helsinki, Finland, and IAEA Headquarters in Vienna, Austria. Data from the existing STUK Environmental Monitoring System will be transmitted to the IAEA via this network.