Year
2004
Abstract
In recent years, Nuclear and Homeland Security industries have recognized the value of integrating radiation detection, monitoring, and security systems into a single network. A single network system allows for the centralized management and review of data generated by instruments such as radiation detectors, portal monitors, security seals, and surveillance systems. It also makes possible the design of remote alarm systems to notify appropriate response personnel via pager, email, or cellular phone. Further improvements in security, cost efficiency, and ease of deployment are realized using secure wireless communications. To begin, this paper will outline a new combination of technologies that allows for incorporation of wireless networks that meet Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 security requirements for encryption, using the Real-time Accessible Data Networking (RadNet) protocol, the Aquila RadComm, and Cranite WirelessWall security software. RadNet has been adopted by manufacturers and facilities as the de facto standard for radiation networks, and is in the process of being certified as an International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Homeland Security standard. The Aquila RadComm device is a network protocol converter used to attach a wide range of new and legacy instruments to a RadNet network. Cranite WirelessWall software provides enhanced authentication, robust encryption and directory-integrated authorization management for wireless local area network (WLAN) installations; it is the only layer 2 encryption software that provides FIPS 140-2 compliance. The paper will then go on to describe a recent security test by security personnel at a DOE site in which RadComm devices were used to attach Eberline RMS3 area monitors to a wireless RadNet network secured with Cranite WirelessWall software. Using a laptop, a DOE Health Physicist was able to remotely monitor and configure the Eberline detectors. The test was successful and the security personnel have given the DOE site permission to deploy secure wireless networks. The paper will conclude with an overview of the benefits that adoption of wireless networking could offer for a wide range of Nuclear and Homeland Security installations.