SIPRNet

The SIPRNet (Secret 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. The NIPRNET is used to exchange sensitive but unclassified (SBU) information.

Naming and history

SIPRNet and NIPRnet are referred to colloquially as SIPR (pronounced 'sipper') and NIPR (pronounced 'nipper'), respectively. SIPRNet supersedes the earlier DSNET 1, the SECRET level of the Defense Data Network based on ARPANET technology.

Comparisons to Internet

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 any standard email client. 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.

Systems supported

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

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

and many other classified warfighter applications.

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

See also

• NIPRNet
• RIPRNet
• Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS)
• Intellipedia
• Crisis Response Operations in NATO Operating Systems (CRONOS) is the NATO equivalent of SIPRNet

External links

• DISA
• Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET) by the Federation of American Scientists' Intelligence Resource Program
• Using the SIPRNET - guide to using SIPRNet published by Texas A&M University
• They've Got Learning Locked Down - article detailing U.S. Coast Guard Academy classroom being first to get access to SIPRNet