25 Fall 2025 Proceedings What is NOAA’s N-Wave? N-Wave, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin- istration’s network service provider, plays a critical role in supporting the agency’s mission while providing a secure, high-performance network infrastructure to federal agen- cies responsible for national security, military operations, and public safety. By ensuring mission continuity, operational resilience, and real-time access to vital environmental and weather intelligence, N-Wave strengthens the 16 critical infrastruc- ture sectors designated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Operational since 2009, N-Wave’s national network infrastructure extends across the contiguous United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, reaching remote field sites, major campuses, data centers and supercomputing facilities. reliance on technology for supply chain visibility and management. In remote regions, a single road closure or waterway blockage can isolate entire communities for days or even weeks. To mitigate these risks, local governments and federal partners have ramped up the deployment of advanced tracking systems and satellite communications to monitor maritime traffic and rapidly identify bottlenecks. At the same time, private opera- tors ranging from fisheries to tourism outfits have begun integrating sensor technology to better coordinate ves- sel arrivals and departures. As these digital platforms expand, so does the exposure to cyberthreats, reinforc- ing the need for robust cybersecurity protocols at every node of the supply chain. The increasing dependence on digital infrastructure has further elevated the impor- tance of secure and resilient communication networks to maintain operational continuity. Strengthening Communications with NOAA’s N-Wave The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) N-Wave initiative provides a case study in com- munication resilience. N-Wave is poised to be a corner- stone of future network infrastructure by integrating cutting-edge technologies that address the evolving demands of data-intensive applications and secure com- munications. Its commitment to high-performance, scal- able, and cyber-resilient network services aligns with emerging trends in the networking landscape. It pro- vides high-performance, cyber-resilient, and scalable network infrastructure crucial for scientific research, environmental monitoring, and secure data exchange. It supports federal agencies, research institutions, and state governments by offering advanced network secu- rity, cloud integration, and compliance with federal cybersecurity mandates. Its Trusted Internet Connection (TIC) and TIC Access Provider (TICAP) services ensure secure, efficient, and reliable data transmission, making it essential technology in an era where data security and real-time information sharing are critical. In an era where Alaska’s connectivity relies heav- ily on data routed through Seattle peering points, NOAA’s N-Wave project has introduced a transformative approach by establishing the Alaska Peering Exchange (AlaskaIX)—a carrier-neutral exchange designed to enhance network resilience. By reducing the dependency on out-of-state nodes, N-Wave minimizes the potential for widespread disrup- tions that can stem from network outages or congested transfer points in the continental United States. Keeping data flows primarily within Alaska also means lower latency for critical operations such as vessel tracking, weather monitoring, and real-time port status updates. This advantage extends to a variety of federal and local agencies, including emergency management teams, making them less reliant on a single “choke point” for communications. • Reducing dependency on external infrastructure is one of AlaskaIX’s several key objectives. By keeping data exchanges within Alaska, the initiative minimizes reliance on out-of-state nodes, lowering latency and improving network performance. • Enhancing cybersecurity. Direct, in-state data exchanges mitigate exposure to external threats while ensuring compliance with federal cybersecurity directives such as National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Federal Information Security Modernization Act, and CISA guidelines. • Improving operational continuity. By eliminating the vulnerabilities associated with routing data through Seattle, N-Wave prevents external network failures from disrupting Alaska’s critical infrastructure. • Supporting federal, state, tribal, and private- sector partners. Secure access to NOAA datasets, weather models, and scientific research ensures informed decision-making in sectors ranging from emergency management to commercial logistics.
